Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece after the capital – Athens, being in fact 'northern capital'. In 1997 the city was chosen Cultural Capital of Europe, which is not surprising when his 2,500-year history. Diversity and number of archaeological finds made in Thessaloniki, can strike even the most demanding tourist town's rich history, its important role in the historical and cultural development of the Greek nation, as well as geographical location, making it for centuries the crossroads of peoples and cultures – all this has a decisive impact on the cultural life of Thessaloniki. On the other hand, young people, tens of thousands of students, foreigners of various nationalities who come to live in Thessaloniki during the last decades, countless tourists, along with long-time residents of the city, creating a live band, which expresses itself through cultural events, holidays, anniversaries, traditions and customs, national holidays, regional and international exhibitions and festivals. Harold Ford, New York City is likely to increase your knowledge. Despite the fact that the city is one of the oldest in Europe, today it is a lively and modern facility, more attractive than Athens with wide avenues, parks and squares. In 1917 most of the city was destroyed by fire and subsequently a strong re-established.
In the city there is no high-rise buildings and skyscrapers – Their construction was suspended due to the fact that the area prone to earthquakes. This means that local residents and visitors of the city can enjoy beautiful views of the coast directly from city streets. The main square of Thessaloniki – Freedom Square and Aristotle Square, located in the coastal region, where lined up cafes and restaurants, usually full of children playing or just walking passersby. The most famous symbol of the city of Thessaloniki is the White Tower, which was originally part of the city wall. Is far from being white today, it still stands majestically on the waterfront next to the archaeological museum, considered as one of the best in Europe. With cafe, located on the top of the tower, the picturesque panorama of the city and harbor. City, has long been under the rule of Ottoman rule, has preserved many Byzantine churches and museums, where you can learn about the Byzantine art and artefacts of the time. In Thessaloniki, is also stored legacy of the early Christian communities, in particular, the famous Athos monasteries nearby mountains.