Thessaloniki: The second largest city in Greece

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, both in terms of population and area. It is the capital of the Thessaloniki Regional Unit and the Central Macedonia region, and it is an important center of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia-Thrace. Since its founding by General Cassander in the Hellenistic era, Thessaloniki has always been a strategic hub, taking advantage of its favorable location and evolving into a multicultural city with a rich history.

After its incorporation into the modern Greek state in 1912, Thessaloniki became the second largest city in the country. It is often referred to as the "co-capital" due to its significant position in Greece, both politically and culturally.

The population of Thessaloniki's metropolitan area, according to the 2011 census, is 788,191, while the metropolitan center has about 1,000,511 inhabitants.

The founding of the city in the Hellenistic period coincided with a crucial moment in the history of the Kingdom of Macedonia, after the death of Alexander the Great and the efforts of his successors to secure their position. General Cassander, to strengthen his political claims, married Thessalonike, the sister of Alexander the Great, and in her honor founded the city. Soon, Thessaloniki unified 26 small towns around the Thermaic Gulf and became an important urban center.

In the 2nd century BC, the city was captured by the Romans, who incorporated it into the province of Macedonia. Its strategic location was highlighted when it was chosen by Emperor Galerius as the seat of the imperial palace. Later, Thessaloniki became one of the contenders for the new capital of the Roman Empire, although the decision was made to move the capital to Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople.

During the Byzantine period, Thessaloniki gained the title of "co-empress," the second city after Constantinople. The city passed into the Ottoman Empire in 1430 and became an important center of the Islamic world for almost five centuries. During this period, Thessaloniki acquired a vibrant and dynamic Jewish community, which played a crucial role in the city's social and economic life.

Its inclusion in the Greek state in 1912 brought significant demographic changes, as the Muslim population moved, while refugees from Asia Minor and Eastern Thrace settled in their place. These population changes affected the social and cultural identity of the city, reinforcing the Greek element.

The great fire of 1917 was a catalyst for the urban and architectural restructuring of Thessaloniki. The new Greek administration proceeded with the construction of new buildings combining ancient Greek and European elements, while many Ottoman buildings were demolished.

Discover Thessaloniki, one of the most important cities in Greece, by choosing an affordable and safe means of transportation such as a taxi, bus, or other services that meet your needs. Experience the city and its beauties at great prices.