Standing on the waterfront of Thessaloniki, the White Tower has become the most recognizable landmark of the town over the years. It was originally built in the 15th century by the Ottomans on the site of a former Byzantine tower and it formed part of the town’s fortifications. Throughout its history, the White Tower has been used as a garrison, a prison and a notorious place of execution, which is why there was a time when it was called the “Tower of Blood”. Today it works as a museum of the city’s history.
Located close to Aristotelous Square, the Roman Forum was the city’s social, economic, administrative and spiritual center for over three centuries, from the late 2nd century AD till the early Byzantine era. Excavations have unearthed the remnants of an Odeon, a square, a covered stoa, and a complex of Hellenistic baths, while a specially designed underground hall has been constructed on-site to house the Roman Forum Museum.
The Rotonda (or Rotunda), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive circular building in the heart of Thessaloniki. It was originally constructed by Roman general Galerius in about 306 AD, while in the early Christian times, it was turned into a church and was decorated with nice frescoes and magnificent mosaics. When the town was conquered by the Ottomans, the Rotonda was converted into a mosque. After the town was liberated in the early 20th century, it became first a church and then a museum.
Mostly known as Kamara, the triumphal Arch of Galerius was constructed in 306 AD to celebrate and commemorate the victory of Roman general Galerius over the Persians. This victory is the main theme of the relief scenes depicted on the arch. Having chosen Thessaloniki as his seat, Galerius also ordered the construction of a monumental palatial complex, and it is believed that the Arch and the Rotonda were connected with the Palace of Galerius. Today, the Kamara is a popular passageway and meeting point in Thessaloniki.
Hammams
There are basically four hammams in Thessaloniki, all constructed during the period of Ottoman occupation of the town (1430-1912). Some of them are closed, while others have been turned into exhibition halls.
Byzantine Churches
Thessaloniki has many churches that have survived from the early Christian and Byzantine times and have been declared world heritage monuments by UNESCO. Many of them are pretty well-preserved and can be found all over the town. The most famous one is the Church of Agios Dimitrios, as Saint Demetrius is considered the patron saint of Thessaloniki. The church was built on the ruins of some Roman baths and has often suffered considerable damage during its history. Today, it has been restored and boasts remarkable mosaics. In galleries under the church, there is a crypt where the saint was buried after dying for his faith in the early 4th century AD.
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