Sunday 26 April 2015

Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea

Although Thessaloniki is a major city getting around the historic sites is straightforward by foot.
Via Egnatia passes straight through the city and elements of the ancient roadway exist deep underneath and being excavated (but clearly on hold at present). The Roman Arch of Galerius and Rotunda together with a Roman forum and theatre reflect the importance of the position of Thessaloniki on the crossroads of the VE and the north/south road from Athens to Skopje, Macedonia.
Ottoman and Jewish history, which was once very significant, has gone largely due to forced movements of population in recent centuries.
Basilica of Saint Dimitrios, a Roman martyr, holds the bones of the Saint. It is a moving experience to witness the casket. My visit coincided with a baptism, a happy yet serious occasion supported by the community (and a few onlookers).
At the sea front, crowded with locals and visitors on a Sunday, the Ottoman era White Tower is an unmistakable landmark.
The 'littlebighouse' hostel is most welcoming and a good choice for my two night stay.

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