Old town and historic sights in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki's old town is a walk through several empires at once. Byzantine churches sit among the modern grid of streets near the center, and the medieval hillside quarter of Ano Poli rises above them. The city is often called an open-air museum of Byzantine art, and much of it can be seen on foot.
Places to go
Aristotelous Square
Aristotelous Square is the open heart of Thessaloniki, a broad square where the city gathers for festivals and seasonal celebrations. It is the starting point for much of the old center.
Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki
The Byzantine Walls run uphill from the center of Thessaloniki, with the Acropolis and the Heptapyrgion along the way. You walk the old fortifications on foot.
Ano Poli
Ano Poli, the Upper City, is a medieval hillside quarter of narrow stone-paved streets climbing toward Mount Chortiatis. It is a place to wander on foot, with the old city feel most of the way up.
Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki
A cluster of UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches in the city center, including Agia Sophia, Agios Dimitrios and the Rotunda. Most are free to enter.
Rotunda
The Rotunda stands on St. George Square in central Thessaloniki. It began as a Roman temple and later became a Christian church, so one building holds both periods.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most of the sights are close to the center. The Byzantine churches, including Agia Sophia, Agios Dimitrios and the Rotunda, are a short walk from the waterfront. Entry to the churches is free, except for the Rotunda, which charges a fee.
Ano Poli is the other main part of a visit. It sits on the hillside below Mount Chortiatis and survived the great fire of 1917, so its small stone-paved streets and old squares still look medieval. Plan on a slow climb and a rest. Many visitors combine the churches and the upper town in a single half day.
Where to go
- Church of the Wisdom of God (Agia Sophia). One of the top attractions in the city, and one of the UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches near the center. In the city center, by walk.
- Agios Dimitrios and the Rotunda. Byzantine churches in the center; entry to the churches is free, but the Rotunda charges a fee. In the city center, by walk.
- Ano Poli (Upper City). A medieval hillside quarter with small stone-paved streets, old squares and Greek and Ottoman houses. Uphill from the center, by walk.
Getting there
The churches are a short walk from the waterfront. Ano Poli lies uphill from the center, so the climb is on foot.
When to go
The churches are indoors, so the walk works in most weather, but the hill streets are best in cooler hours.
Good to know
- Church entry is free, except for the Rotunda, which charges a fee.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the streets of Ano Poli are steep and paved with stone.
- The Tourist Information Center is at Tsimiski 136, at Aristotelous Square. It is closed on Sundays.
- Finding a taxi can be hard at peak hours, so allow time if you need one.
Questions
Can you see the Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki on foot?
Yes. The UNESCO-listed churches, including Agia Sophia, Agios Dimitrios and the Rotunda, are in the city center, a short walk from the waterfront. Entry is free except for the Rotunda, which charges a fee.
How do you get to Ano Poli from the center?
Ano Poli is on the hillside toward Mount Chortiatis, above the city center. You reach it on foot up steep, stone-paved streets, so it suits walkers who don't mind a climb.
Where are the Byzantine churches in Thessaloniki?
The Byzantine churches are close to the city center. The Byzantine churches are close to the center.
