thessaloniki Photos

THESSALONIKI is a UNESCO world heritage site, for its paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments.

Founded by king Cassender of Macedonia in 315 BC, Thessaloniki was named after the king’s wife, Thessalonike – who was also Alexander the Great’s step sister. In 168 BC, the town was conquered by the Romans.

The town preserves vestiges of its history, such as paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments, as well as Ottoman ruins. Christians churches were built here between the 4th and 15th centuries. The mosaic work at St Demetrius and St David churches are included among the greatest accomplishments of early Christian art.