Exploring the OTHER Acropolis: Travel to Thessaloniki, Greece

16/1/2016

Athens isn't the only Greek city to boast an Acropolis. Thessaloniki has one too! Here is everything you need to know before you go.

My trip to Thessaloniki was part of a media visit organized by the local tourism board as part of my registration for the TBEX conference. Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase through said link.

free things to do in thessaloniki: The Acropolis

My favourite of all the free things to do in Thessaloniki: Visit the Acropolis

Ancient history, crumbling ruins, and spectacular views? Yep, it sounds like an acropolis all right! But I'm actually talking about the Acropolis of Thessaloniki, not Athens. Did you know that there are several acropolis across Greece, and even in other countries? The name means "upper city" and an acropolis is a city's highest point and an important strategic location for defense.

The Acropolis of Athens, of course, is famous the world over and it's principle building, the Parthenon, is instantly recognizable. But it is well worth the trip to seek out other acropolis, especially the one in Thessaloniki. Here's what makes the Thessaloniki Acropolis such a special spot.

Looking for free things to do in Thessaloniki? Start with the Acropolis.

Acropolis Thessaloniki free things to do

Hanging out on the edge of the acropolis? Maybe if you're very brave!

The Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki Acropolis

Just as the Acropolis of Athens has the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Thessaloniki is dominated by its own unique structure, the Heptapyrgion.T he Heptapyrgion is a Byzantine and Ottoman era fortress whose northern towers date back the rule of Roman emperor Theodosius I and the years 379-395 A.D. Thessaloniki is renowned for it's Byzantine architecture and structures and the Heptapyrgion is just one example of these amazing ruins. Its incredible history alone makes it one of the free things to do in Thessaloniki.

The Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki has grown and changed over the centuries, absorbing the architectural influence of the many cultures, communities, and political dynasties that have made Thessaloniki the diverse city it is today. While it has spent the past 25 or so years as a tourist attraction and a UNESCO world heritage recognized site, it's final function for the century or so before its 'retirement' was as a prison - a bit of a gloomy period for an otherwise magnificent building.

There is one point where the Acropolis of Thessaloniki and that found in Athens greatly differ. In Thessaloniki, you can expect to have the hill and the Heptapyrgion almost entirely to yourself. There was only a scattering of visitors when I was there in the middle of the day. In fact, it seemed like it was more of a spot for local delinquents (I jest!) to hang out on the ledges to smoke and brood and take in the views. If you generally feel overwhelmed by the crowds in Athens, Thessaloniki will be a relief.

Where to stay in Thessaloniki

While in Thessaloniki, I stayed at the Porto Palace Hotel. I really enjoyed the spacious rooms, the bathtub (something I was missing dearly in Athens!) and the incredible breakfast buffet. The staff were really friendly and helpfully came to my rescue when I realized I forgot my toothpaste. I wasn't so keen on the hotel's layout (it felt like maybe one or more sections had been added to the original build) and its industrial surroundings. Still, I would stay here again on a return visit, though I'd be open to trying something new.

Byzantine era ruins like this are unbelievably rare and the views of the city are equally amazing. The Acropolis of Thessaloniki is a lot like the city itself. Beautiful and gritty and under-appreciated, Thessaloniki doesn't make it on many travellers' itineraries but it is well worth a visit. It's an amazing Greece travel experience. Even if you have a limited amount of time, a visit to the acropolis should be high on your list.

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Paula McInerney link

16/1/2016 06:40:11 pm

I haven't been to Thessaloniki, but my husband has. However, I do know it from teaching Ancient Greece. I do remember that its name came from the half sister of Alexander the Great. I think that an acropolis less crowded than Athens is appealing

Vanessa

17/1/2016 05:07:39 pm

Bonus points for your superb history knowledge! The city is indeed named after his sister.

Aileen Adalid link

16/1/2016 11:04:00 pm

Great tip! I haven't been to Greece but I am planning to so definitely, other than Athens, I'll definitely be taking note of Thessaloniki. It looks wonderful!

17/1/2016 05:08:30 pm

That's awesome - I can't wait to hear how your trip goes.

Holly link

17/1/2016 11:55:43 am

Greece is a place high on my list to visit. Great to know of different areas that I should see.

17/1/2016 05:09:02 pm

We loved Greece - hope you get to travel there soon.

Fiona Maclean link

17/1/2016 02:35:41 pm

I've really only seen Athens, a bit of the coast and a few islands. And I do know that's a shame - that there is a lot more to see. I love this kind of place too!

17/1/2016 05:09:53 pm

We need to swap destinations next time - you can go to Thessaloniki and I can go to the islands and we'll get double the travel experiences. ;-)

Brianne Miers link

17/1/2016 05:40:09 pm

Same as Fiona, I've only been to Athens, some surrounding sites and the islands. But I'm a huge history buff, so I would love to explore more. Thanks for the recommendation, Thessaloniki sounds fascinating!

18/1/2016 01:05:04 pm

It's a great city and, while a bit gritty in places, there's a lot of beauty to discover.

Laura link

17/1/2016 10:13:49 pm

I sadly haven't even been to the one in Athens, though when I do get to Greece, I'm planning on a trip to Thessaloniki as well. It looks like a fascinating place to explore.

18/1/2016 01:06:40 pm

It's a great gateway city to a lot of different destinations so it's very easy to work into a lot of different trips.

Mar link

17/1/2016 10:46:17 pm

So true that I did not know Thessaloniki ha an acropolis too. Like most people it isn't the most obvious place to visit in Greece and i have yet to explore it many sights and islands

18/1/2016 01:07:26 pm

I would love to make a return trip to Greece to see more of the country - there's a lot of great things to see in a relatively small space.

Karyn Jane link

18/1/2016 01:27:46 am

This was a really fascinating read! I'm glad to hear that there's more than one acropolis in Greece and I think it'd definitely be interesting to see how they each compare. And anywhere with low tourist numbers is always worth a look! :)

18/1/2016 01:11:01 pm

I never found Athens that busy in the low season (compared to what I heard) but Thessaloniki was even more quiet.

melody pittman link

18/1/2016 09:38:23 am

I had no idea. Isn't that a cruise ship port? Seems I have seen it on itineraries and never knew what there was to do there. Now I do. ;)

18/1/2016 01:13:02 pm

I think it is - I know it's one of the most significant ports in Europe so it would make sense that it's on the cruise ship itineraries.

Lindsay Nieminen link

18/1/2016 05:55:24 pm

We are always looking for those "off the beaten path" things to do with the kids that don't always have huge crowds! we searched out the lesser known standing stones in the UK (the ones you can still touch) as compared to standing with hundreds of tourists at Stonehenge. This sounds like a great place to visit when we are in Greece!

19/1/2016 09:48:40 am

I've also sought out the "other" stones in the UK! You're right, getting just a tiny bit off the beaten path is very rewarding.

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