What it's like
Ano Poli, the Upper City, is the old hillside quarter of Thessaloniki. It climbs the slope toward Mount Chortiatis, and its streets keep a medieval character that the lower city has largely lost.
A visit is a slow walk up through small stone-paved lanes. The Byzantine churches of the city are walkable from the center, and the Rotunda charges a fee while entry to the other churches is free, so a walk up from the center can be paired with a visit to them.
Good to know
- The streets are small and paved in stone, so wear shoes with good grip.
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.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
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.
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 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.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Old town and historic sights
