7 Must-See Sites in Thessaloniki, Greece

In the northeastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki, the Heptapyrgion is a Byzantine- and Ottoman-era fortress featuring 10 towers (despite its name), and dates back to around the 12th century. The fortress became a prison until the late 1980s before undergoing restorations and opening to the public. Views from the fortress walls promise panoramic overlooks, too. © Vasilis Ververidis | Dreamstime.com

You’ll find many vendors and restaurants serving koulouri, a traditional Greek sesame-crusted bread ring similar to a bagel with a crunchy exterior and soft and chewy interior. The food originates from Thessaloniki and is most often eaten at breakfast or as a snack alongside coffee and bites like cheese and olives. © Rawf88 | Dreamstime.com

Along the city’s Nea Paralia Park is an eye-catching bronze statue of Alexander the Great atop his horse Bucephalus. Erected in 1973, the statue of the Macedonian leader pays homage to the city’s origins in the fourth century B.C.E., as well as its name, chosen because of Alexander’s half-sister Thessalonike. © Nenad Nedomacki | Dreamstime.com

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a museum and monument along the waterfront. The current tower, built in the early 19th century, replaced an older Byzantine fortification. Inside the tower, open to the public, is a museum dedicated to the city and its history. © Dudlajzov | Dreamstime.com

The Rotunda of Galerius is an early fourth-century A.D. monument considered one of the best examples of early Byzantine art and architecture. The rotunda is one of the earliest Christian monuments in the Eastern Roman Empire and, over the centuries, was used as a mausoleum, basilica, mosque and Christian church. The rotunda is also the oldest of Thessaloniki’s churches, with some even claiming it to be the oldest Christian church in the world. © Arsty | Dreamstime.com

Better known as Upper Town, the old town of Thessaloniki is situated around the acropolis and features well-preserved Byzantine and Ottoman structures. The area maintains the city’s rich traditions and draws visitors thanks to its small and stone-paved streets, old squares, and historic houses. Various churches, a Byzantine bath, museum and mosque still remain in the area. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Olympus across the gulf. © Dudlajzov | Dreamstime.com

Near Rotunda of Galerius is Arch of Galerius, named after the same Roman emperor and built around the late third century A.D. About two-thirds of the arch remain today at the intersection of two streets. When it was completed, the arch was dedicated to celebrate the victory of Galerius over the Sassanids at the Battle of Satala. The arch is adorned with sculptures depicting the battle. © Georgios Alexandris | Dreamstime.com