Ancient sites in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki's ancient sites sit close to the city center, so Roman and late-Roman ruins can be explored on foot. The Roman Forum, the open-air Galerian ruins and the Arch of Galerius are all within a short walk of the waterfront. For a fuller picture of Macedonian history, Vergina and Pella are a longer coach trip out of the city.
Places to go
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.
Galerian Complex and Arch of Galerius
Open-air Roman ruins and a triumphal arch in the middle of modern Thessaloniki. You walk among the remains and stop at the arch on Egnatia Street.
Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
The Roman Forum of Thessaloniki is the city's ancient Roman-era forum, a two-terraced complex with excavated stoas and a museum underneath. Visitors walk through the ruins and the nearby baths and theater.
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.
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.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is the city's main collection of Macedonian history, from prehistory through late antiquity. It is one of the top attractions listed for Thessaloniki.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Ancient Pella Archaeological Site and Guided Museum Visit with Free Time
Dion Ruins and Wine Tasting in the Mount Olympus Region by Minibus
Private Ancient Thessaloniki Acropolis, Museums and Landmarks Drive and Walk
Vergina Royal Tombs and Aigai Archaeological Highlights from Thessaloniki
What to expect
The easiest start is the city center. The Roman Forum, known locally as the Ancient Agora, is a large two-terraced complex with two-storey stoas. Excavations are open to visitors, and the museum sits underneath. Nearby, the Arch of Galerius, dedicated in 303 AD, stands on Egnatia Street and is free to see. Its neighbor, the Rotunda of Galerius, is an early fourth-century monument. Most of the wider Galerian palace lies under the modern center, but the open-air ruins at Navarinou Square and the Apsidal Hall are visible.
For a day out of the city, Vergina is the big draw. Its royal tombs and the Aigai archaeological site are UNESCO-listed, and the guided tour runs about 5.5 hours. Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and the ruins of Dion take a similar coach or minibus day. These tours suit visitors who want a full day of Macedonian history and do not mind a long ride.
Where to go
- Roman Forum (Ancient Agora). Two-terraced Roman forum with excavations, a museum underneath, two baths and a small theater that also hosted gladiatorial games. At the upper side of Aristotelous Square, by walk. A trip that goes here: Ancient Pella Archaeological Site and Guided Museum Visit with Free Time, 4 Hours 30 Minutes, $149 a person
- Galerian Complex and Arch of Galerius. Open-air Galerian ruins and the Arch of Galerius, dedicated in 303 AD and free to visit on Egnatia Street. In the city center, by walk. A trip that goes here: Ancient Pella Archaeological Site and Guided Museum Visit with Free Time, 4 Hours 30 Minutes, $149 a person
- Rotunda of Galerius. An early fourth-century monument beside the Arch, first built as a Roman temple of Zeus and later converted into a church. By walk.
- Vergina Royal Tombs and Aigai. UNESCO-listed royal tombs and archaeological site, reached on a guided day tour from the city. Day tour from Thessaloniki, by tour bus. A trip that goes here: Vergina Royal Tombs and Aigai Archaeological Highlights from Thessaloniki, 5 Hours 30 Minutes, $219 a person
Getting there
The Roman Forum and the Galerian ruins are both walkable from the city center. Vergina, Pella and Dion are reached by coach or minibus tour only, typically 4.5 to 7 hours.
When to go
The city sites are open through most of the year. Vergina and the outlying tours run from October to August, so check the season before planning a day out of town.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes; the forum and Galerian ruins involve uneven ground and steps.
- The Roman Forum charges an entrance fee, while the Arch of Galerius is free to visit.
- Several Galerian remains are underground and not visible, so the open-air ruins are the main visible part.
Questions
Can I see Thessaloniki's ancient sites on foot?
Yes. The Roman Forum and the Galerian ruins are reached on foot from the city center. The Arch of Galerius on Egnatia Street is free to visit, and the forum charges an entrance fee.
How long is the Vergina tour from Thessaloniki?
The guided Vergina Royal Tombs and Aigai tour runs about 5.5 hours. It is a coach or minibus trip, since Vergina is not within walking distance of the city.
What is the Roman Forum in Thessaloniki?
The Roman Forum, also called the Ancient Agora, is a large two-terraced Roman complex at the upper side of Aristotelous Square. It has excavations, a museum underneath, baths and a small theater.
