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Salonika
(Greek Thessaloniki, in the past also known as the Slavic
Solunj or Turkish Selanik) is the second in population city
of Greece and the most important commercial and civic center
of the Macedonian region. It is built on the edge of the
Thermaic Gulf, and was named after King Philip's eldest
daughter, when Kassandros (one of the |
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generals of
Alexander the Great), founded the city in 316 BC.
It was from this city that St. Paul, the Apostle of
the Nations, spread the Word of Christianity (AD 50). The
Roman emperor Galerius, made the city his headquarters (AD
300). Demetrios, a Roman officer, was martyred, thus
becoming Salonika's patron Saint (AD 303). The wealth and
glory of Byzantium followed and after |
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that a long
succession of conquerors (Slavs, Avars, Saracens, Normans,
Catalans and Turks). Here started their careers SS Cyril and
Methodius, the Apostles of the Slavs, the Albanian architect
Sinani, and the reformer of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk).The
city was liberated in 1912 and was permanently incorporated
to the Greek state. Nowadays,
Salonika is a modern cosmopolitan city |
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of particular
charm with distinct signs of its long eventful history and
its cosmopolitan character: the Arch and the Rotunda with
its mosaics, the churches of Agia Sophia, the Acheiropoetos,
Ossios David, Agii Apostoli, Vlatadon Monastery, Agios
Demetrios, Profitis Elias, Agios Nikolaos - churches
representing every phase of Byzantine architecture |
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and painting -
as well as Byzantine walls, castles and towers. The White
Tower, built on the site of an older tower, and its twin,
the Trigonio, have become the symbols of the city. The
Archaeological Museum surprises guests with the riches of
its exhibition, while the Folk Art Museum is truly
enchanting with its lovely crafts, signs of the nobility of the 18th and 19th centuries. Not far from the museum is
located a contemporary landmark - the International Fair Grounds, a
crossroad of nations, for friendship and collaboration, and further
up, the University named after Aristotle.
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Salonika
pulsates with life. The streets are bustling with activity
among spacious avenues, parks, squares, trees, streets lined
with shops and attractive shop-windows. Salonika's markets
can satisfy consumers' most demanding tastes. Old
neoclassical houses neighbour modern apartment blocks. Nikis
Avenue offers a very pleasant stroll on the waterfront.
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Every here and there one can spot tavernas, ouzo-bars,
restaurants and pastry shops that offer typical Macedonian
delicacies and sweets. Visitors can seat in open air and
enjoy ice cream and the typical vanilla sweet, bougatsa,
offered with a glass of water. Nightclubs, bars, and
bouzoukia for those who prefer the sounds of bouzouki - the
Greek mandoline. Salonika was the place where |
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rebetika was born. |
Moreover,
visitors are welcome to Mediano market, Ladadika - the
historical suburb near the port, now a modern entertainment
center, and the Behtsinar area ("Princes' Gardens") where
the Milos (the Windmill), a cultural and entertaining center
is located, with cinemas and theatres. The renovated Royal
Theatre (which hosts the National Theatre of Northern
Greece) stands out by the waterfront. Also worth visiting is
the new impressive building of the Music Concert Hall.
But
there are also places where one can relax. Another world
after the buzz of the city: the Upper Town with its poetry
and charm. Old neighborhoods with narrow alleys and gardens,
courtyards draped with laundry, wide-open doors, and
care-free children playing. Rebetika melodies add the scent
of exotic flowers in the air.
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Inviting
places nearby include the forest of Seih-Su, Chortiatis,
Panorama, Oreokastro, Asvestohori and the Thermaic Gulf with
fishing villages and popular beaches such as Aretsou, Perea,
Nei Epivates, Agia Triada, Nea Michaniona, Epanomi, and Nea
Krini. Twenty kilometers north of Salonika, Langadas has
become famous for the fire-walking spectacle (Anastenaria)
that takes place there |
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each May. |
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