Day 3 Revisit Part 2 - White Tower, St Sophia, Byzantine Castle

(Day Three Revisit - Tuesday June 8th, part 2)

White Tower

On the way to the second stop, we glimpsed the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda from the bus. These are relatively famous landmarks in Thessaloniki, but we did not stop and view them.

St. Sophia

Second stop at about 10:00 - The White Tower. This is the most famous landmark in Thessaloniki, close to the waterfront. Built by the Ottomans sometime shortly after 1430, it replaced an older Byzantine tower which dated to the 12th century. The tower was part of the walls of the old city of Thessaloniki, standing at the corner of the East wall and the Southern (sea) wall.

Back on the bus at 10:25 and off to our next stop. On the way, we pass the Tower of Telecommunication, which has on it's upper level a coffee shop inside a round disc. This rotates one full revolution in 60 minutes.

Our destination is the Church of Saint Sophia (divine wisdom). 
This is more of a traditional basilica with 3 aisles, but it is a transitional building because it has a dome, which regular basilicas do not have. Built in possibly late seventh but more probably early to mid eight century. The decorations (frescos & icons) are from the ninth century. We were not allowed to take pictures there plus we were on a short time frame.

Byzantine-era Castle

Back on the bus at 11:10 and off to our next stop, the Acropolis of Thessaloniki. Acropolis is the highest part of any city. We saw the best section of preserved walls on the way, which is a section of the East Wall. Arriving at the Acropolis, we saw a Byzantine-era castle which had been used later as a prison. We had a great view of the city, took some pictures, and had a short break at a coffee shop. Then we were off to Vergina.

Prev: Day 3 Part 1 <=> Next: Day 3 Part 3

View of from Byzantine Castle

Dale's Pics for Day 3: here