Thessaloniki - Metropolis - Modernity and History
- Written by Portal Editor
After our first explorations in Thessaloniki, which gave us some unexpected aha experiences, it is time to take stock of our visit to Thessaloniki. We came across the cycle path network in an insightful and unexpected way, to name just one example.
On the one hand, there are the prefabricated buildings so typical of the 1970s, which also dominate the wonderful waterfront of the Thermaic Gulf, and then, in the middle of the canyons, deep excavation sites of ancient buildings from the Roman Empire suddenly open up.
An extremely young and lively city, at least that's what the streetscape looks like
Traditional weekly market with fish and meat counters in the outdoor area of the Modiano market alongside hyper-modern bars and restaurants in sometimes inconspicuous locations.
An extremely young and lively city, at least according to the streetscape, but one that is definitely aware of its culture and history.
Thessaloniki grew into one of the metropolises of the Byzantine Empire, which was able to withstand almost all enemy attacks from the Slavic side thanks to its powerful and constantly growing city walls. Only in 904 was Thessaloniki conquered and plundered by the Saracens.
It was only during the time of the Crusades at the end of the 12th century that the Byzantine Empire was weakened by internal conflicts, before various occupiers such as the Venetians ruled over the city until 1261, and Venice even received its own district.
At the end of the 12th century, the Byzantine Empire was weakened by internal conflicts
Thessaloniki felt like a centre of science: Thomas Magister (1270-1325), Demetrios Triklinios (1280-1340), Saint Gregorios Palamas (1296-1359) and Demetrios Kydones (1324-1397) worked here.
Ottoman troops put down the flaring Greek liberation struggle
In 1871 the railway line to Skopje was built and in 1888 it was connected to the European railway network via Belgrade, and in 1896 it was continued east to Dedeağaç, today's Alexandroupolis. In 1893, the first tram was installed, pulled by Russian and Hungarian horses, contributing to the city's further expansion. During this time, the only Bulgarian high school in the Ottoman Empire, which was initially known as the Bulgarian men's school “Cyril and Methodius High School”, was built. A women's school followed later. The German School of Thessaloniki was founded in 1888 and was closed from 1915 to 1924 and 1944 to 1956, i.e. as a result of the world wars.
After the two Balkan wars in 1912 and 1913, Thessaloniki, along with large parts of Macedonia, was awarded to Greece in 1913. As a result, almost all mosques were demolished or rebuilt into churches.
After Vitaliano Poselli had successfully established himself as an architect in Thessaloniki, his compatriot Pierro Arigoni followed around 1890, both of whom designed numerous private and public buildings and significantly shaped the image of the city, including the streets from Aristotle Square up to Egnatia.
The German School of Thessaloniki was founded in 1888
Although the city has many interesting sights and is urban in character, it is often only used as a transit station to the tourist areas on the Halkidiki peninsula. In Ladadika, which was formerly the olive oil merchants' quarter, you will find a district with many traditional and inexpensive taverns and ouzerias. There is still a lot to discover. Stay interested.
Please read as well:
Amsterdam - By boat through the canals
100 years Schleizer Dreieck – open paddock
https://www.alaturka.info/en/greece/thessaloniki/6369-thessaloniki-metropolis-modernity-and-history/amp?layout=default%2Famp#sigProId24e7869439