Thessaloniki has been a major Mediterranean port for more than 2,000 years.
Nowadays its population is a little over 1,000,000 people, making it the second largest city in Greece.
Travelers and tourists can visit Thessaloniki by plane, and land at its international airport, which is about 8 miles from the city center.
From there, they can catch the bus or hire a taxi, or even hire a car, with the first option being the cheapest of the three, although a taxi is much faster.
The city's historic center is one of its major attractions, with neoclassical buildings shaping a unique picture to the visitor's eye.
Aristotelous Square is a typical example of this distinguishing style of architecture, and begins with the Byzantine church of St. Demetrius, goes through the monuments of the ancient Roman Market, and ends at the famous Seafront (Paralia).
Different historic periods are represented by a wealth of landmark monuments. Ancient cemeteries in the city's outskirts, the Hippodrome Square (the ancient racecourse), the Arch of the Roman emperor Galerius, and Via Egnatia (a major Roman road, crossing many Roman regions), are all typical examples dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
Next, there are the Byzantine monuments, which mainly consist of orthodox churches, such as the church of Osios David, built in the 5th century A.D., the church of St. Sophia, built in the 7th century A.D., the church of Panagia Chalkeon, built in the 11th century A.D. and others, hosting a wealth of artistic treasures.
From the same period, the Byzantine Walls, surrounding the original core area of the city, stand there as an attraction in its own right, wth the characteristic series of Round Towers, located at strategic posts for the protection of the city through the centuries. They can literally carry the traveler to an earlier time in history.
There are certain monuments of the Ottoman tradition, which followed the Byzantine period, such as the Mosques of Alatzah Imaret, Yeni Cami, Hamzah Bei Cami, the Spas (Hamams) of Bei Hamam, Yehoudi Hamam, and others.
Besides, the existence of Hebrews in the city, through the always vibrant and participating in the common affairs Hebrew community, is witnessed by the Synagogue.
In the historic, vibrant market of Kapani, which means “The Flour market” in Turkish, the visitor can find an almost endless variety of locally produced delicacies, fresh fish and other products that are well-known for their quality and fair price, as well as a galore of restaurants, takeaways, and small tavernas, catering for every taste, and serving, from gyros and souvlaki, special meat soups, gourmet meals from the Greek and the Mediterranean cuisine, to the famous pies (a variety of focaccia) and sweets and pastries, which can satisfy even the most demanding bon gourmand.
Thessaloniki is a merchant city, a feature emphasized by the fact that a large number of trade fairs are held there all year round, under the umbrella of Helexpo, the central organizing body, thus making the city a business travel destination.