Thessaloniki (520 km. north of Athens) is the second largest city of Greece and the most important centre of the area. Built near the sea (at the back of the Thermaïkos Gulf), it is amodern metropolis bearing the marks of its stormy history and its cosmopolitancharacter, which give it a special beauty and charm.
Take a tour in the centre of Thessaloniki and plan to visit its nearby destinations. Also, while being in Thessaloniki it is worth going up to Halkidiki.
Visit Thessaloniki's Archaeological sites
- The ancient forum (dated to the late 2nd or the early 3rd century AD) with squares, porticoes, additional buildings and odeum (293-395 AD), the palace complex of Galerius Maximianus (4th c. AD), the thermae, the hippodrome, the temples and other monuments and moveable finds (among them mosaics of exquisite art) brought to light in excavations and surveys. In the south square, is the famous Stoa of the Idols, which was two-storeyed and lavishly decorated.
- The Triumphal Arch of Galerius (Kamara), built in AD 305 to commemorate his military successes in general in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.
- The Rotunda is an early 4th century building which later was converted into a Christian church.
Visit Thessaloniki's Byzantine monuments
Thessaloniki, with its host of Byzantine monuments (due to it’s significance during the Byzantine period), justifiably is considered an open-air museum of Byzantine art. Wandering through the city, it is worthwhile to see:
- The churches of Acheiropoietos (5th century) a three-aisled, timber-roofed basilica, the Holy Wisdom of God (Hagia Sophia) (7th century), the Panaghia (Virgin) Chalkeon (1028), Hosios David(12th century), St Panteleemon (late 13th or the early 14th century), is of four-columned cross-in-square type, Ayioi Apostoloi (1310-1314),Taxiarches (14th century), Panagouda a three-aisled basilica with significant icons, Agios Ioannis Prodromos (Nymphaion),Vlatadon monastery a 14th century foundation of which only the katholikon and two cisterns within the precinct survive, Ayios Demetrios a splendid basilica dedicated to the patron saint and protector of the city, etc.
- The byzantine walls of the city.
- The archaeological site in 3 Septemvriou St., with remnants of a cemetery basilica, a martyrion and Early Christian graves.
- The byzantine bathhouse (late thirteenth century).
- The Heptapyrgion castle was raised in stages, from the early years of the Byzantine Age into the Ottoman period.
Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki
Just 5 minutes from Macedonia International Airport, the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki offers high-quality banquet facilities, state-of-the-art technology and spa treatments, all within a lush garden setting.
Each spacious room in this luxurious international hotel has been fully equipped with the latest in communications technology. Every modern amenity has been provided to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.
Business travelers have access to high-tech conference facilities and the Hyatt can accommodate a variety of business events and special occasions, from large seminars to lavish weddings.
Guests have many options for on-site entertainment, with the lively lobby lounge and Mediterranean restaurant. Continental breakfast is served in the morning in buffet style.
Club Olympus has an indoor, heated pool with hydro-massage jets, an outdoor free-form pool, hot tub, hammam and steam room. Sports facilities include a fully equipped fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts.
For extra convenience, Hyatt Regency provides a complimentary airport shuttle. It is also in close proximity to one of Europe’s largest casinos, the Regency Casino Thessaloniki, and a short walk from the center of the city. Within less than an hour, guests can visit some of the most beautiful beaches of Chalkidiki and the monasteries of Mount Athos.