Published via Ecency

Although the "White Tower" of Thessaloniki is the symbol of Thessaloniki, it is probably one of the most recognizable buildings from ancient times, but it actually dates from the period of the Ottoman Empire.

It was built in the 15th century, and through the centuries it changed its purpose.

You don't even need to turn off the road to see some truly ancient buildings, apart from the White Tower.
At every step there are excavations, which were discovered as the city developed, in the middle of the last century.
Because of these sites, the greatest challenge to the builders of the subway, which I personally know has been under construction for over 20 years, was precisely the remains of buildings from the ancient period. Because, wherever in Thessaloniki, if you tried to dig something, you would come across a stone, a brick, an amphora, over 2000 years old...

One of the most striking ancient remains, which cannot be missed even when you are in a car or bus, is the remains of the Geleri gate, more precisely 2/3 of the arch, which with the Rotunda, in the immediate vicinity, was a monument that celebrated the victory of the Roman emperor over the Persians.

Built in the 3rd century AD, the Rotunda (modelled on the Pantheon in Rome) often changed its purpose, as a Roman temple, a Christian basilica, then a Muslim mosque (when a minaret was added to it, which still exists today) and finally a Christian basilica, which is still today.

The city is full of cats, and they seem to like antiquity a lot. one is lying on 2000-year-old pillars, which are waiting for better times...

And probably the largest, from the Roman period, is located in the very center of the city, opposite Aristotle Square, Rimski Trg. Roman agora
Built in the third century, it had a large amphitheater, an arena for gladiator fights and a forum.

Near the gate and the Rotunda, downhill towards the sea, there is another large archaeological site.

Considering the working hours of these archaeological sites and my time spent on the beach, I didn't have time to go inside and learn more about their history.

In addition to ancient remains from the Roman period, the city is dominated by Orthodox churches, which can be found at every turn. Small churches and chapels can be seen between the buildings, and large churches such as the Church of St. Sophia dominate the squares.

One of the most important and oldest is the church of St. Dimitri, just above the Roman square.
The church is dedicated to the saint who is considered the patron of the city of Thessaloniki, and since the 4th century, when the faithful gathered in the catacombs, it has been rebuilt to its present form.