The Church of Profitis Ilias, a late-Byzantine architectural marvel, stands proudly in the upper town of Thessaloniki. Built on the Athonite triconch plan, it features a central nave flanked by two semicircular apses. This fourteenth-century structure, associated with the Nea Moni monastery, showcases exquisite banded brick-and-stone masonry and a towering central dome. Recognised as a … Read more
Panagia Chalkeon, also known as the Church of the Virgin of the Coppersmiths, stands as a testament to the Byzantine heritage in Thessaloniki. Founded in the eleventh century by the Byzantine official Christophoros, this brick-built church is famed for its decorative architecture and historical significance. The church’s name is derived from the coppersmiths’ bazaar that … Read more
Osios David, the katholikon of the former Latomou Monastery, stands in the historic Ano Poli district of Thessaloniki. This small Byzantine church, part of the UNESCO-listed Palaeochristian and Byzantine Monuments, is renowned for its rare late-antique mosaic depicting the Vision of Ezekiel. The mosaic features a youthful, beardless Christ Emmanuel, surrounded by four living creatures … Read more
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, transforms into a lively hub during the summer months. The city’s energy peaks as locals and tourists alike explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal views. The bustling waterfront promenade comes alive with music, food vendors, and social gatherings, offering a perfect setting for enjoying warm evenings. As the … Read more
The Pieria Riviera, also known as the Olympian Riviera, is a captivating destination just a short drive south of Thessaloniki. This scenic coastline stretches along the Thermaic Gulf, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the sun-kissed beaches of Paralia Katerini and Olympiaki Akti to the historic Platamonas Castle, the … Read more
Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is home to a dynamic street art scene. The former textile quarter of Valaoritou and the lanes off Ladadika have become canvases for artists. Large murals coexist with stencils and paste-ups, transforming urban spaces into open-air galleries. The regeneration of Valaoritou into a hub … Read more
The OTE Tower stands as a slender architectural icon within Thessaloniki’s vibrant landscape. Nestled inside the grounds of the Thessaloniki International Fair, this telecommunications and observation tower rises to just over seventy metres. A revolving cafe9-bar near its top provides visitors with a panoramic view of the city roofs, the Thermaic Gulf, and even Mount … Read more
The Prespa Lakes, comprising Great Prespa and Small Prespa, are a transboundary national park shared by Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia. Known for their rich biodiversity, these lakes host colonies of Dalmatian and great white pelicans. The area is also steeped in history, with Byzantine hermitages and the tenth-century basilica of Saint Achillius on the … Read more
A Thessaloniki cooking class puts the city’s kitchen in your own hands, most often across a single morning that pairs a market walk with a session at the stove. The food of Thessaloniki carries the imprint of the Constantinopolitan and Asia Minor cooks who settled here after the population exchange, so the recipes lean on … Read more
Tsipouro is the clear grape spirit that rules the tables of Thessaloniki, poured in small bottles across the tavernas the city calls tsipouradika. The drink comes from the pomace left after the grape harvest, distilled into a spirit that carries the northern Greek habit of eating and drinking in slow rounds. A tsipouradiko sets the … Read more