MUSEUMS OF THE CITY

 WHITE TOWER MUSEUM

The White Tower was built in 1430 as part of the fortification of the city's port. The monument has been renovated and is now the Historical Museum of the city. It houses collections of Byzantine icons, frescoes, glasswork and pottery, coins and jewellery from all periods of the city's history from 300-1430.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

It is the largest museum in northern Greece and it houses finds belonging to different eras. There are large collections of prehistoric finds and also bronze ornaments, bracelets, rings, hair-ornaments, iron weapons and swords found in tombs.

        One of the most extraordinary and unique finds from nearby places is the large bronze krater, which is almost one metre high. It was found in Derveni, about 10 km north of Thessaloniki. The krater, which dates back to the 4^th century BC, is a masterpiece belonging to the school of Praxitelis. It was found in an undisturbed tomb along with several other bronze vases, weapons, statuettes, gold ornaments, elegant glass and silver vases. Kraters were large vessels of high quality used to store wine.

        In addition, the museum houses the rich finds of 121 tombs found in the cemetery of Sindos. It also possesses Roman copies of older and famous Greek classical works, as well as statues, busts of men and women and sarcophagi belonging to the 2^nd century. Different Roman floor mosaics that were discovered in Thessaloniki are also exhibited in the museum.

        One of the most significant exhibits in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is that of items found in the Royal Tombs of Vergina. These unique items are among the rarest treasures ever found in archaeological excavations.

        The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, which was founded in 1982, houses costumes, uniforms, weapons and personal items of the heroes of the War for the Liberation of Macedonia (1870- 1912).

Other important museums in the city are: Museum of Byzantine Art, Folklore Museum, Technical Museum, Athletics Museum, Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Ancient and Byzantine Musical Instruments, Jewish Museum, and Museum of Cinematography.