“A guiding tour of Thessaloniki”
15 March 2004
Within the framework of the ‘Hellonet” project we decided to organise a day tour of Thessaloniki for the Erasmus students that are studying here at the TEI of Thessaloniki.
The idea was welcome and students from various departments besides the Erasmus ones came along. It was a lovely sunny day, 15th March and we were all excited about it. The meeting place was at the TEI halls of residence, at 9:00 am. We got on the bus, offered by the TEI, and set off. Most of the students were Portuguese but there were also some Spanish, Finish and Italian ones.
The first stop was the White Tower, the famous landmark of Thessaloniki, now the Historical Museum of the city. It houses collections of Byzantine icons, frescoes, glasswork and pottery, coins and jewelry from all periods of the city’s history. As it was open we had the opportunity to get in and go all the way to the top. The view from there was really wonderful! Next stop the Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki. It is the largest museum in northern Greece and it houses finds belonging to different eras. One of the most significant exhibits in this museum is that of items found in the Royal Tombs of Vergina. These unique items are among the rarest treasures ever found in archaeological excavations!
After visiting the Archeological museum and as we were right in the city center we couldn’t resist having a coffee in the sea front. We all had either greek coffee or frappe and while being there we had the opportunity to talk about life as a student here in Greece.
When we finished with our coffee, a ritual that we have to admit lasts a bit longer here in Greece, we got on the bus and went all around the city’s walls. We also visited the Byzantine church of Saint Demetrius, the Patron Saint of the city.
Our last stop was the Arch of Gallerius, the Kamara. This monument was erected in 300 AD to remind the people of Gallerius’ successes in his Armenian and Persian campaigns. Now Kamara is the most popular meeting place mostly for students and young people in general.
The guiding tour came to an end right at lunch time, which is at around 3:00 pm here in Thessaloniki! We decided to go to Navarino, a famous area right in the city centre, full of Roman remains and tavernas as well! We had many traditional greek dishes and wine.
It was a day to remember.
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