Thessaloniki is undoubtedly the centre not only of northern Greece but of the entire Balkans. It is an administrative and commercial centre and it serves as a major cosmopolitan crossroads.

The city has its own distinctive intellectual and artistic personality hosting the Thessaloniki International Film Festival as well as the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival and the Thessaloniki International Festival of Photography every year [*].

It is only 50 km from Nea MoudaniaHalkidiki, and there is an excellent network of main roads leading there.

The wealth of its surviving Monuments and Archaeological sites (the Arch and Tomb of Galerius, the extensive city walls, the Trigonian Tower and the Castra area, the ancient Agora, the Rotonda, the Roman Palace and Hippodrome, the church of Agia Sofia, the Crypt of Aghios Demetrios, Agia Paraskevi, the archaic cemetery, the Monastery of Latomos at Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square) from all the periods of its history has made the city a living Museum of Byzantine art; as such it has been recognised by UNESCO [*].

Thessaloniki stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site at the head of the Thermaic Gulf. It is a harbour city, in whose life the sea plays an important part. The old town was surrounded by a strong wall which ran east, from the harbour, for about two kilometres until it reached the White Tower (the city's best known symbol-15th century) [*].

The walls are among the finest surviving examples of city fortification and can be compared only with those of Constantinople itself. North of the historic is found the exhibition grounds where the city's popular annual International Trade Fair is held [*].

The theatres, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, and coffee shops are thronged with students as Thessaloniki is the biggest university town in the Balkans. The walk along the shore of Thermaikos gulf is maybe the best positive vibration you will ever get and the ambience of the city and its people the most intense you have ever felt [*].

The city's principal streets are Mitropoleos, Tsimiski and Ermou which run parallel to Nikis Avenue, which is on the waterfront. Along Egnatia Street, which is the city's main street, you will find most of Thessaloniki's Roman ruins as well as most of the action. Also nearby, you'll find the lively central food market bustling with vendors and hawkers selling an endless array of fresh fish and meat, to exotic fruit and locally grown vegetables [*].

Thessaloniki is also the place where you can see the treasures of the tomb of Phillip II of Macedon now on display at the city's Archaeological Museum. Of course, there's lot's more to see in Thessaloniki, so whatever you do, if you're in the travelling mood, don't miss the opportunity to see this surprising city nestled in the serene Prespa Lakes region of Macedonia [*].

[*] These links will take you to external web sites, and are listed for your reference only. Incorrect or broken links can be reported to: web@oceaniaclub.gr.