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Greece
Greece lies at the extreme south of the Balkans peninsula. It borders Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria to the North and the Western region of Turkey to the East. You would need a whole book to describe the splendours of GreeceÖA doric temple standing out on a headland; a Byzantine monastery built into a cliff; brilliant white villages nestling on countless islands; dramatic inlets: this is the blue and white symphony of Greece.
Thessaloniki
Dion, Pella, Vergina, Stagira, Amfipoli, Khalkidiki, Thessaloniki- these have been their names since the time of Alexander the Great and before. Indeed, these names have remained the same for thousands of years, passed on from one generation to another, without any alterations. However, the land itself has witnessed one invasion after another: passing from the Romans to the Saracens and then from the Normans to the Turks. Yet, all of these places have remained impervious to the passage of so many different conquerors and are still profoundly impregnated by Greek culture with its ancient language and civilisation.
Thessaloniki is the capital of Greek Macedonia and Greece's second city, after Athens. It was founded in 315B.C. by Cassandra who named this city after his wife Thessaloniki, the sister of Alexander the Great. It was also here that Paul, the Apostle of the Nations brought the Christian message of Hope, thus expanding the Christian faith (50A.D.). Later, the Roman officer Demetrius, illuminated the city with his crown of martyrdom and as patron saint (303A.D.). Thessaloniki became the second largest city in the Byzantine Empire and magnificent buildings, churches and monasteries were built here. At first, the churches were built in the early Christian style, but later churches were constructed in all different religious architectural styles. Today, we can still find traces of Byzantine architecture and paintings all over Thessaloniki.
The city of Thessaloniki itself is extremely lively with its university and International Fair buildings. Wide avenues bordered with trees, parks and squares serve to create a pleasant atmosphere. Images from the past and present are mirrored in the shopping streets, alluring shop windows, old houses, neoclassical residences and modern buildings. The citys taverns, ouzeries, restaurants, hotels, night clubs, bars, bozouxidika, cinemas, theatres and pavement cafes offer a wide variety of entertainment to inhabitants and visitors alike.
The Upper Town seems like something from another world with its poetic charm and tranquillity: small gardens are hidden away in the old quarters with its narrow streets; doorways standing ajar give us a glimpse of children at play; Rebetika melodies ring out from the whitewashed walls and the scent of mirabilis wafts out from darkened kitchens. With every step we take, we can sense the heartbeat of the immortal Thessaloniki.
For more information : www.mfa.gr |
