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The City
The guide was updated:
The city was established in 316 BC by King Cassander of Macedonia and named after his wife, Thessalonike, half-sister of Alexander the Great. Thessaloniki, in Greek, actually means the "victory of the Thessalians". It was the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire, next to Constantinople. The city has lived through the rise and fall of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, occupations and earthquakes, and has continuously rebuilt itself adding new layers to its complex structure.
These days, Thessaloniki is the capital of the region Central Macedonia and is home to both ancient history and an exciting present.
The city centre, as well as local centres of a few districts, is bustling with life and movement. Yet walk a few blocks away from the main streets — and you'll find yourself in the quietest and narrowest streets where you can walk uninterrupted for hours, stumbling upon old churches, ruins and quirky features of vernacular architecture. Large avenues, parks and squares provide nice green spaces, and trees line the commercial streets. There are old houses and Neoclassical buildings that stand side by side with modern constructions. The people of Thessaloniki are known for their friendliness and hospitality throughout Greece and English is spoken by most.
These days, Thessaloniki is the capital of the region Central Macedonia and is home to both ancient history and an exciting present.
The city centre, as well as local centres of a few districts, is bustling with life and movement. Yet walk a few blocks away from the main streets — and you'll find yourself in the quietest and narrowest streets where you can walk uninterrupted for hours, stumbling upon old churches, ruins and quirky features of vernacular architecture. Large avenues, parks and squares provide nice green spaces, and trees line the commercial streets. There are old houses and Neoclassical buildings that stand side by side with modern constructions. The people of Thessaloniki are known for their friendliness and hospitality throughout Greece and English is spoken by most.