THESSALONIKI FACTS

Thessaloniki is located at the northern part of Greece and is the second largest city in the country, as well as the capital of Macedonia region. According to the 2001 census, some 765,000 inhabitants live in the entire Thessaloniki urban area.

Thessaloniki is one of Europe’s greatest cultural, commercial, and sport centres. It is located in the central Macedonia region 500km from Athens. It is accessible by road, railroad, and air. The duration of the flight from Athens to the Macedonia Airport is approximately 40min. Altitude of the city is 5 meters above sea level.

Thessaloniki boasts of more than 2,300 years of history, as it was founded in 315 B. C. by the King of Macedonia, Cassander, who named the city after his wife and half-sister of Alexander the Great. During the centuries which followed, the city was part of the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire, until its liberation in 1912, when Thessaloniki became officially part of Greece.

The city’s cultural heritage is proven by its monuments. The White Tower, which was built in the 15th century on the waterfront of Thermaikos gulf, is the landmark of Thessaloniki. The Arch of Galerius, built in early 4th century A. C., as well as the Church of Saint Demetrius, have equally high significance. In addition, Thessaloniki was named European Capital of Culture for the year 1997.

The annual Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, held every September, is of great importance for the financial life of the city. In fact, this year, the 74th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair is held from 5 to 13 September and coincides with the World Athletics Final “Thessaloniki 2009”.

Moreover, Thessaloniki is the central point for the tourism in northern Greece, since it is only a few dozen kilometres away from the unique beaches of Halkidiki and Pieria prefectures.

Thessaloniki has always been a prime destination for tourists from the whole world. A wide range of exhibitions, art galleries, leading trade fairs are taking place to create a city unlike any other with an excellent quality of life.

Famous for the warmth of its people, for its vibrant nightlife, but also for its tradition of hosting memorable sporting events, Thessaloniki is a modern metropolis, which proves to be the ideal destination for every visitor.

Thessaloniki is also famous for its passion for sports. Great atmosphere and high attendance at the great number of sporting activities can show, not to mention the large number of individuals who play an active part in sports clubs and associations.