THESSALONIKI CITY BREAK DESTINATION

Thessaloniki 
Population: 384.000
www.saloniccogrecia.blogspot.com 

Introduction

The second largest city of Greece, Thessaloniki is the jewel of the north. Famous for its lively streets, vibrant night life and cultural signature, it is the perfect cosmopolitan destination for any visitor.

Thessaloniki was founded by Kassandros in 316 BCE on the place where ancient Therme once stood and because of its location over the centuries it became an important commercial, political, and cultural center of the Balkan peninsula. Over the centuries its streets have supported pockets of affluent minorities, and its port acted as the sea gate of central europe to the Aegean and the markets of the near-east. Salonika, as it is otherwise known, was the second most important city of the Byzantine empire.

Its diverse history has sprinkled Thessaloniki with ruins of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Balkan, and European origin. For eons it has been the home of affluent minorities of Turkish, Serbian, and Jewish origin; all of which have left their mark on the rich cultural identity of the city. The city has also been scarred by numerous of catastrophic events such as the earthquakes in 620 that leveled the city, and in 1978 which damaged most of the Byzantine monuments, and the severe fire of 1917 which destroyed 9000 homes, and left 90000 inhabitants homeless. Six years later Thessaloniki became host to a great number of the one million Greeks who left Asia Minor as part of the population exchange agreed at the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.

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Its strategic location made Thessaloniki a magnet not only for commercial and cultural activity, but also for countless invasions and occupations. Romans, Normans, Slavs, Bulgarians, Franks, Turks, Venetians, and Germans, have all left their mark in the city through their stay for various lengths of time. Between the 6th and 7th century Slavic invasions devastated the surrounding area and forced the rural population to find refuge behind the city walls, while in the 10th and 11th centuries Bulgaria established its power in the area with repeated invasions before Byzantine rule is established again. Eventually, the Venetians ruled the city until 1430 when the Turks invaded. In the15th century jews fleeing prosecution from many European cities find a home in Salonika, and in 1912 it became part of modern Greece. During WWII, nearly 50000 Jewish inhabitants of Thessaloniki were sent to Auschwitz, and of these, about 37500 were immediately gassed.

Today, Thessaloniki's population is almost exclusively made up of Greek inhabitants. Its grounds are a patch work of different commercial, and cultural influences. The city is divided in two by the International Trade Grounds and the Aristotle University. From there, all the way to the waterfront one finds the boulevards, shopping areas, and night clubs of the cosmopolitan Thessaloniki. The west part of the city is dominated by the industrial area and it is densely populated, while the east end includes Touba and Kalamaria areas which were rebuilt after the fire of 1917 and still retain much of its original character. The upper town (Ano Poli) developed around the castle (Genti-Koule) and the Acropolis offer narrow street taverns and beautiful panoramic views of the entire city.

What to Do and See in Thessaloniki

Cultural Events:

    * March: Documentary Festival
    * August: The Wine Festival
    * September: International Trade Fare
    * September: Greek Song Festival
    * November: Thessaloniki Greek Film Festival

Places of Interest

    * Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
      One of the best museums of Greece. It houses art from Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic eras, as well as artifacts from Ancient Macedonia including gold ornamental art and ancient Greek weapons. (Platia Hanth)
    * Museum of Byzantine Culture
      Illustrates Byzantine history and culture through Byzantine icons, art, and every day artifacts.
      (2 Stratou Street)

    * The White Tower

      A beautifully built round fort at the eastern waterfront. It was built in the 15th century as part of a sea fortification and it has become the most recognized landmark of Thessaloniki. During Ottoman occupation it became a symbol of terror because of the gruesome executions of prisoners that took place there. After the city's liberation the tower was whitewashed as if to purify it from the blood that so often covered it, thus the name "White Tower". The tower is white no longer, and it houses the "Museum of History and Art of Thessaloniki".
    * The Roman Forum and Theater
    * The Arch of Galerius
      Built in 305 CE to commemorate the victory of Galerius over the Persians in 297 CE.
    * The Attaturk House
      The birthplace of the Turkish leader Kemal Attaturk now houses various artifacts from his life.
    * The Rotunda
      Circular building of the 3d c. CE which was originally built as a mausoleum for Galerius. In Byzantine times it was converted into a Christian church by Constantine, and after the ottoman invasion it was converted to a mosque.

Byzantine Churches

Thessaloniki is the second most important exhibition place of Byzantine monuments after Istanbul.

    * The Ahiropiitos (or the Church of Panagia Ahiropiitos)
      Early Christian basilica built in the 5th c. CE. It houses some important mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine era. It was the official mosque of the city during Ottoman occupation.
    * Ossios David or the Latomos Monastery
      Located at the top of a steep climb in Kastro. A small basilica built in the 5th c. CE, houses a nice mosaic of Christ on a rainbow.
    * Agios Dimitrios
      This five aisled basilica was destroyed in the great fire of 1917 and consequently rebuilt in 1948. It is built on the site where the Roman baths once stood and it is Greece's largest church. Agios Dimitrios is the patron saint of Thessaloniki and this church houses some spectacular mosaics, and the Crypt. The Crypt on the east end of the church is the place in the Roman baths where Saint Dimitrios was tortured and killed by Roman soldiers.
    * Agia Sofia
      A splendid example of Byzantine architecture bares the name of the famed church of Istanbul. It houses an important fresco on its dome.
    * Panagia ton Halkeon
      Built in 1028 in the shape of the cross.
    * Agia Ekaterini
      Built in the 13th c. CE
    * Agioi Apostoli
      Built in the 14th c. CE
    * Agios Nikolaos Orfanos
      14th c. CE with frescoes
    * Profitis Ilias
      A domed basilica built in the 14th c CE

Places of Interest Near Thessaloniki

    * Vergina
      Archaeological site about a 20 minute drive from Thessaloniki. The tomb of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, was unearthed in Vergina by the famed Greek Archaeologist Andronikos. The site also houses a museum which houses the artifacts found during the excavations.
    * Chalkidiki
      The beautiful three-prone peninsula to the south-east of Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination.
          o The Kassandra peninsula is about 1.5 hours away from Thessaloniki and its beaches are a favorite destination of package tourism. Its overdeveloping tourist infrastructure has encroached on the natural beauty of its landscapes.
          o The Sythonian peninsula is about two hours away from Thessaloniki and it is home to green pine forests and some beautiful beaches like Paradisos, Nikiti, and Lagomandra.
          o Mt. Athos (Agio Oros)
            The eastern peninsula of Chalikidiki is in effect an autonomous religious community where a host of Christian Orthodox monasteries are perched high upon its spectacular cliffs. Monks find in Mt. Athos a spiritual place and a remnant of the Byzantine empire, complete with the monk's adherence to the Julian calendar. Only male visitors are allowed on Mt. Athos, and each can stay for four nights at the monasteries as guests.
    * Mt. Olympus
      The highest mountain of Greece was the residence of the Olympian gods in ancient times, and a favorite destination for mountain climbers today. It is 3000 m high with eight sharp peeks ready to challenge even the most experienced climbers. Mt. Olympus is an national park about 1.5 hours from Thessaloniki. Litohoro village is the favorite destination of climbers who aspire to climb Mt. Olympos

Useful Telephone Numbers

    * EOT (Greek National Tourist Organization) (8, Platia Aristotelous): 2310 222 935, 2310 271 888
    * EOT (Greek National Tourist Organization) at the Thessaloniki Airport: 2310 471 170
    * Tourist Police: 2310 554 871
    * Railway Station: 2310 517 517
  
THESSALONIKI  BLOG  in english and italian language  www.saloniccogrecia.blogspot.com 

22 MACEDONIAN CROWNS IN THE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF THESSALONIKI

More than ten gold crowns Macedonian , rare archaeological finds over the past decade came to light thanks to an unforeseen combination of excavation, illegal excavations and antiquities action.
Eight wreaths were found in 2008 in excavation of the metro in Thessaloniki, two in 2009 and 2010 in Vergina, a repatriated to Greece in 2007 from the U.S. Getty Museum and one found in 2000 at the hands of a farmer, was product and antiquities found in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. ...

On the occasion of these new findings, scientific workshop organized in Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum on 3 June.
Scholars and archaeologists in Greece and abroad will be reported on the use of wreaths and their depiction in art, technology and typology.

It is the first conference organized by subject, as explained in the "A" Despina Ignatiadou by the Organizing Committee, Head of the Department of Metalwork Gallery Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
"Following the Crown acquired recently asked by the excavators to make a presentation of findings and attempt to take this opportunity to reassess and older," he adds.

According to the archaeologist XVI Inspectorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Bettina Tsigarida, participating in the Steering Committee and will present a paper at the conference, Macedonia is a region of the ancient Greek world, which have a large number of metal crowns, which date from the mid 4th to mid-2nd century BC

Made primarily of gold, and bronze or silver, with olive leaves, myrtle, laurel, ivy and occasionally oak wreaths are richer and more elaborate in the second half of the fourth century (reign of Philip II and the Great Alexander) and then formatted and simplified.

In any case, ancient Greek wreaths are subjects that fascinate the public and archaeologists, are prized by collectors, while hiding many secrets.

"There are many issues we have yet to decipher than with wreaths and especially their use," observes Ms. Ignatiadou.

Used in real life, as shown by the little information that preserve sources.

It was personal items worn in ceremonies? What were these ceremonies? Was initiation ceremonies? What mysteries? Civil, administrative or religious type? Was private or public character? And how related plants representing the gods?

There is much we do not know and trying now totals identified to conclude, "he notes.

The most famous hoops
The most precious crown surviving from Greek antiquity is the gold wreath of oak (the second half of 4th century BC) found in the main chamber of the royal tomb at Vergina, in a golden urn.

It consists of 313 leaves and 68 acorns and weighs 714 grams.

The findings of the royal tombs at Vergina are two more gold wreaths of myrtle leaves and flowers of the 4th century BC

In the 4th century BC dating also two gold myrtle and olive wreaths that were in the 60s on the graves of Derveni, gold wreath of olive leaves and flowers found in Stavropol Thessaloniki and gold wreath from the grave Sevastis Pieria.

Gold wreath of olive leaves from the 3rd century BC from Amphipolis exposed in the Archaeological Museum of Kavala.

Major findings of the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis included two gold medals and olive wreaths of oak 4th century.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki has 22 gold crowns Macedo, a collection which is considered the world's richest.

17 ΜΑΥ 2011
NEWSPAPER :AGGELIOFOROS THESALONIKI

LEONARDO DA VINCI ESPOSITION IN THESSALONIKI

Opening on February 4. Run until June 5, 2011, the edifice of Art & Culture "Grinder." IN AREA POLICHOROS MYLOS


A unique cultural event will take place in Thessaloniki between February and June 2011 - the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci - Inventor & Scientist.

The visitors will have the opportunity to admire handmade replicas of world famous designs, notebooks, sketches and letters of the archetypal Renaissance man, the mysterious personality of the talented Leonardo Da Vinci, a second revival of the arts revived the era of Humanism.


At the same time be able to inspect and set up the 25 three-dimensional models, which are manufactured by skilled craftsmen who literally followed the designs of Leonardo. It will also be able to know in depth the Renaissance period through the twelve multimedia terminals that operate in the exhibition hall with documents and 8,000 images.

The timeliness of Leonardo

The man Leonardo envisioned the new era, which regenerates through science and philosophy, free from the narrow horizon of perceptions of the period of darkness. The world of Renaissance sets sail for new discoveries, conquering the unknown.

The current globalized man, holding the thread of historical inventions and discoveries, new adventures began in the microcosm and the macrocosm of science, the world redesigned reflecting new forms, ideas and perceptions. With weapons research and technology makes the leap to the future inspired by the irresistible force to break the bonds in order to surpass his limits.
Plans and models of Da Vinci cause admiration by the power of the spirit. Similarly, today, builds models of cities, with each corner of the globe in no time, penetrates the DNA, and inspires artists rally consciousness gives rise to expectations of a regenerated society that wants to escape from the want of individualism and humanity travels stars.

The three routes of exposure

The report is structured around three axes, which are complementary to give a comprehensive picture of Leonardo, Inventor and Scientist. These modules include:

* 118 Plans: One of the three lines approved by the Academy of da Vinci handmade copies to cover the following areas: Anatomy, Mathematics - Geometry, mechanics, flying machines, timers, Bridges - Chat, Architecture, Military Engineering.
* 25 Three-dimensional models of inventions of da Vinci, made of wood and metal, produced in concordance with the plans.
* 12 multimedia installations with as many touch screens containing 8000 images covering the following topics: Rebirth, The Life of Leonardo, Leonardo the engineer and architect, as a symbol of The Bridge, Bridges, Anatomy.

Specifically, the report includes 118 "by fax copies of" notes, drawings, sketches and studies of Leonardo Da Vinci, covering all fields of science of action in 8 major sections. They are one of the few collections' replication copies "that currently exist in the world and created under the supervision of the Academy of Da Vinci designed to replace the originals in an extremely light-sensitive reports. The mode of reproduction has special interest and is the only one who keeps an accurate picture of the original and high artistic value. The pages of the notebooks or sheets of notes Leonardo bred the original size and a succession of stages, a procedure that carries a special handmade paper only outlines standards and frameworks of the projects. Here's Coloring, made by hand, using specially prepared paints.

Three-dimensional models of inventions

The 25 original buildings in the exhibition cover most areas of scientific activity of Leonardo and all categories of inventions. In conjunction with the drawings, allowing visitors to approach the concerns of Leonardo, to discover the solutions that give to admire and inspect the current implementation. This process gives a report and scientifically based educational and instructive perspective. Visitors can touch most constructions and experiment with their use. The models built to scale, with materials that fully meet the age and the proposals of Leonardo. For each species and each part machine searched the specialized craftsman who, in collaboration with scientists proceeded to hand reconstruction based on original designs.

Audiovisual

The report is complemented by a large and rich audiovisual material converses well with the plans and models, offering answers and solutions to questions and queries which inevitably puts the viewer in front of the greatness of the genius of Leonardo.

Six different interactive programs operating in 12 touch screens, showing the Renaissance period, explain the situation of world economic, commercial, social and cultural life, but the scientific context in which they moved and acted by Leonardo. It is a modern presentation in addition to the impressive number of 8,000 pictures used, complemented by comprehensive and scientifically based texts. By way affordable visitors of all ages can find more details about the studies, scientific research and inventions of Leonardo, literally playing with the terminals and touch screens that accompany each section of the report.

The organization travels in 1997 across the globe and has received so far, nearly 5,000,000 visitors (approximately 2,000,000 are in Europe). Its importance is reflected in the fact that it was the main launch event in two European Capitals of Culture (Genoa, Patra) and the municipality of Sofia, the chose to celebrate the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union.

ENTRY PRICE: 8 € adults, 4 € children / students, 12 € group

SUPPORTERS

EOT Greco CHAMBER OF THESSALONIKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF THESSALONIKI, THESSALONIKI CHAMBER OF SMALL, Ministry of Culture, MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY, UNIVERSITY OF MACEDONIA

DETAILS OF INTEREST:

-So far, the report 5,000,000 people have visited three continents, of which nearly 2,000,000 in Europe.
-Models of machines out of wood and metal are manufactured by specialist craftsmen who followed the instructions to the letter of Leonardo.
-The 118 projects exhibited is one of the few collections of "replication" of such copies worldwide
-Guests will be able to "travel" the world of Da Vinci 12 through touch screens, six multimedia programs and 8,000 images
-The municipality of Sofia chose the exhibition to celebrate the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union
The exhibition million people have visited three continents, including in Boston, USA, Seoul (South Korea), Pretoria (South Africa). Taipei and Kaosioungk (Taiwan), Singapore and Victoria (Canada) and many European capitals.
Initiator of the exhibition, which deservedly won the designation "culture channel" in each country presented in the last 13 years, is the Institute for Cultural Exchange, based in Tübingen, Germany.
To date, the Institute has conducted 92 tours of exhibitions at 724 museums and organizations in 41 countries in Europe, America and Asia. These reports have received a total of 11,150,000 visitors.

Info: 2310 551836

THESSALONIKI WILL BE ONE OF THE 141 CITIES IN THE WORLD THAT WILL HAVE A MODERN SUBWAY (METRO )

After the unsuccessful attempt to have the Thessaloniki Metro constructed by the Concession Contract method (1998-2003), in September 2003 the decision was made for this specific Project to be constructed by means of National and European Union funds.

On the basis of the new Invitation to Tender, in June 2004 five Joint Ventures consisting of major Greek and Foreign companies of the construction field expressed their interest in participating in this Tender. Its first phase was completed in November 2004.

Four of the five Joint Ventures were qualified to proceed to the second stage of the tender and in January 2005 they took delivery of the tender documents, as well the new advanced concept design of the Project. In May 12th 2005, the pre-selected Joint Ventures submitted their Technical and Financial Offers and in August 19th the Tender Committee completed the evaluation process of the Technical and Financial Offers submitted by the three Joint Ventures, which were accepted to participate in the final phase of the Tender.

The Contract with the Contracting Joint Venture AEGEK – IMPREGILO – ANSALDO T.S.F – SELI – ANSALDOBREDA was signed on April 7th 2006 and the construction of the Project commenced at the end of June 2006.

Decision for this Project to be tendered as Public Work 9/2003
Legislative regulation awarding the implementation of the Project to ATTIKO METRO 12/2003
Commencement of the procedure related to the pre-qualification of Contractors 12/2003
Submission of applications by candidates expressing their interest 6/2004

Completion of pre-qualification procedure
11/2004

Completion of the preparation of the design and tender documents by ATTIKO METRO
1/2005

2nd phase of the Project Tendering process
1/2005

Submission of Technical and Financial Offers
5/2005

Technical Evaluation of the bidding Joint Ventures
7/2005
Appointment of a provisional Contractor 8/2005
Conclusion of the Contract and initiation of the Project construction activities 4/2006


The construction of Thessaloniki Metro shall integrate state-of-the-art technology and the most demanding standards concerning both quality and operation, rendering it, thus, the most modern Metro System in the whole Europe.

The basic characteristics of the THESSALONIKI METRO network are the following:

A Depot in the Pylea Region (Votsi) covering a surface of 50,000 square meters.

13 modern center platform stations


9.5 km of Line (with two independent single track tunnels) constructed mostly (7.7 km) by means of two Tunnel Boring Machines. The remaining section of the Line will be constructed by the Cut and Cover method

18 ultra-automatic and state-of-the-art trains, fully air-conditioned, which will be run without a train driver, with an attendant aboard the train.


platform screen doors, which guarantee greater safety level


A Depot in the Pylea Region (Votsi) covering a surface of 50,000 square meters.

Within the framework of the same development plan, provision has been made for the development of underground parking facilities in Thessaloniki Metro network, their capacity being 3,700 places in total.

PARKING AREA

Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos 1 450 -4 underground


Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos 2 600 -4 underground


Nea Elvetia 650 -1, ground level, +2

Panepistimio 1 1000 -4 underground
Panepistimio 2 1000 -4 underground

TOTAL PLACES OF PARKING 3700


METRO MAPS ALL OVER THE WORLD :http://www.amadeus.net/home/new/subwaymaps/en/
INFORMATIONS ABOUT THESSALONIKI METRO : http://www.ametro.gr/page/

THESSALONIKI ONE OF THE BEST 5 DESTINATION IN GREECE

The Top Five Destinations in Greece

Despite its relatively small size, there are numerous places for those taking a vacation in Greece to visit during their stay in the country.

The Greek islands are the most popular destinations for tourists but mainland Greece has much to offer too. The major destinations include Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, and here are details on each of those places…

Greece is relatively small but it offers a wide range of places attractive to travelers. The islands are the leading tourism destinations, but the mainland is also worth visiting. Greece’s five most popular tourist destinations are Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes and Crete.

Athens, as a result of its antiquity and influence, is full of historical sites, museums and galleries, most of which can be found within a relatively small area surrounding the city centre. It also offers sites of natural beauty in the shape of its many parks, hills and mountains, which are ideal for those looking to escape the noise and commotion of the sprawling city streets.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in the country, has a continuous 3000-year history and is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The picturesque old town, offers spectacular views over the bay and features traditional old houses and small cobbled streets, and there is a great seafront promenade. It is also considered a gourmet city and has a very active nightlife.

The island of Corfu, located just off the West coast of mainland Greece, is a popular destination for holiday makers because of its excellent beaches, rich history and mild Mediterranean climate. It is very green compared to other Greek islands (containing over 2 million olive trees) and boasts a 1000 meter high mountain which offers breathtaking views across to neighboring islands.

Crete, Greece’s largest island and the southernmost one in Europe, is bathed in sunlight for much of the year. Its mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, quiet coves, and a big selection of beach bars and nightclubs, make it a popular travel and vacation destination, as do its abundance of wildlife, plants and flowers, many of which are unique to the island.

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the island of Rhodes has a rugged, hilly interior and a rocky coast with many good beaches. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The north coast has lively nightlife, while the south is quieter, more traditional and rich in historic sites.

The best time to visit these places is from April until November, as during that time all over Greece is hot and dry, and enjoys near-constant sunshine. Some destinations do tend to get very crowded during this time, especially between May and September, but it is normally possible to find a quieter beach or resort, should that be your preference, anywhere, so long as you do some research before making a booking.

Flight and accommodation prices tend to be more reasonable than other Southern European countries and, if you spend a little time looking through travel websites and contacting different travel agents, you can normally get a good package deal price that is lower than what is listed in travel brochures.

If you liked this, try: Holidays In Greece – A Free Online Guide

Article from articlesbase.com

THE NEW MAYOR OF THESSALONIKI BUTARIS IOANNIS

THESSALONIKI IS ONE OF THE 41 Places to Go in 2011 voted by NEW YORK TIMES

Salonika, Greece
Out of the country’s economic woes, a new wave of artists.

It may come as cold comfort to the Greeks, but the country’s financial woes have made it prime territory for bargain-hunting tourists. The coastal city of Salonika, often overlooked by tourists in favor of Athens, has been gaining momentum for the last several years with its prolific cultural scene. Now, with British Airways adding a direct route from London and a new mayor pushing forward a spate of major cultural and tourism initiatives, Salonika is hotter than ever.

The newest wave of culture makers in the laid-back city include the nonprofit Dynamo Project Space, which gives a platform to up-and-coming local artists, architects and designers, and Sfina, a self-appointed “urban prankster network” that instigates flash mob-style events in public spaces. Since it opened last summer, the eco-conscious design firm 157173 has garnered attention for its offbeat minimalist lamps, mobiles and other design objects that are equal parts Bauhaus and Joan Miró.