Many people associate Greece with Athens , that is from the southern part of the Mediterranean countries . But the north , where the largest province of the Republic, Central Macedonia, no less interesting - it is the birthplace of Alexander the Great , St. Cyril and Methodius, the founder of modern Turkey , Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , the location of one of the first major Christian churches, where the Apostle Paul preached , and the capital of the region , the former at different times as the favorite city of the Romans and the Byzantines and Turks, about 3000 years ..
The local people are very sensitive to the name of their region and do not take it as the name of a neighboring state - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Skopje, preferring to call it by the name of the capital of this country. So , keep this in mind when dealing with these Macedonians ! And that still will drop off a cliff by accident ;)
Thessaloniki , the second city of the country as the most important , and population , situated on the shores of the Aegean Sea , surrounded by picturesque mountains nearby . Again, the real name of the center of the prefecture - Thessaloniki ( Victory over Thessaly ), received it on behalf of the Macedonian king 's wife Cassandra ( and half-sister of Alexander the Great) , who founded the city in 315 BC In Slavic sources of Thessalonica were called even as Solon .
Currently, this is the main point of the route for pilgrims and shopaholics . If the first go through Thessaloniki to the holy sites of Mount Athos , the last of the Greek fur coats to Kastoria . But as it is the local airport "Macedonia" serves flights from dozens of Russian cities - many arrive ( and come ) is here , in this modern , despite its age , and city. The reason lies in the youthfulness of large fire in 1917 , when burned more than half of the old Thessaloniki.
It was then decided to get rid of because of this annoying traits of the former Ottoman rule and Thessaloniki has become something like a French seaside town with accentuated elements of ancient and Byzantine periods of history. Now all the basic life concentrated near the waterfront Nikis and surrounding areas , where gift shops alternate with endless taverns and bars filled up the night merry Greeks and leisure traveler Taste the local cuisine .
Despite the price in euros , the local stores are not as expensive as in the same Athens, not to mention Western Europe. Besides, where else you can taste fresh " sea snakes " and other fish, vegetables and fruits , the legendary Greek butter , yogurt with nuts and honey, as well as local wines ! It's no wonder the Greeks called the gourmet capital of Thessaloniki - the local food is varied and tasty, than in other regions of the country, and especially firms organize food tours of the province.
It's no secret that the Greeks , like many other residents of the Mediterranean countries , have great respect for a siesta . Therefore tourists to know that , for example , museums are open daily , except Monday, from 8 to 15, and all sorts of shops and showrooms on Monday , Wednesday and Saturday from 9 to 15 ( Tuesday , Thursday and Friday they are open from 9 and until the evening ) . Supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday from 8 to 20.
For Russian problems in Greece should not be - anywhere someone , but knows our "great and mighty" , often signs in Russian . But a couple of things still remember, thank you in Greek - " efharistO " shake of the head from the bottom up in the Greek means " no" and from top to bottom - "yes" , the Greek sound " ne " means " yes " and the denial of sounds like " oohs " , Greek for " tomorrow " (" avrio " ) means something vague or failure.
You can still come in handy map of Thessaloniki and city guide - Wellcome here and here ) )
One hundred years ago ...
Modern view of the Aegean Sea from the hotel and Thessaloniki "Macedonia Palace".
The White Tower ( Lefkos Pyrgos ) 15-16 century - the symbol of Thessaloniki. Constructed either by the Genoese , or the Ottomans during the reign of Suleiman the Great. First, there were the barracks and then a prison and a torture , for which he received the name " Bloody Tower " . After the accession of Greece to the matter has been painted in white " cleansing " color.
On the waterfront are here such ships , restaurants , waiting for tourists to take them on the road .
Night life rages in local rumochnaia and taverns.
Streets of Thessaloniki, as in many other cities of Greece are often narrow and winding , leaping over the hills , like the girl from the sidewalk .
Local pharmacy .
Here and there on the streets there are palm trees
A group of tourists crossing the road .
Conversation novice with his mother at the Basilica of St. Demetrius .
View of the fortified walls of the city of Thessaloniki , which today are the obligatory point of visiting tourists - the result of construction and rehabilitation works produced from the IV century before the period of Turkish rule.
On the one hand stretch the ancient walls , and on the other - small houses with souvenir shops and cafes.
For fun, compare how the color of the walls and towers at sunset ..
Up to the present day from the initial 8 km city wall preserved 4 kilometers.
Active construction work carried out in the fourth century under Emperor Paravati and an even larger scale - the last Roman emperor Theodosius the Great .
Trigonios tower.
View of the evening the city from a viewing platform near the wall .
