Menu
HomeBlog (Page 3)

Blog

Alternative holidays Cyclades islands Monasteries in Greece Naxos Religious holidays

Kalamitsia Monastery, Naxos

Kalamitsia Monastery, Naxos

A unique story hides in the Kalamitsia Monastery, Naxos, in a region between the village of Melanes and the village of Potamia. You will meet in Kalamitsia a unique building, once a resort of unique beauty but also a great history that over the years has lost its glory.

The monastery in Kalamitsia is the resort of Jesuit monks who once settled in Naxos. Built in the 17th century, it literally provided everything from stables, pigeons, huge gardens to an olive press. It was not by chance that they called it the palace of the Jesuits. The reason for the foundation of the monastery is the rest and recreation of the Jesuits after preaching in the surrounding villages.

The Jesuit work may not have been successful in Naxos, but it has left behind a great architectural heritage, such as the Monastery of Kalamitsia, but also the castle halls and the building that currently houses the archaeological museum of Naxos.

Today, the palace or monastery in Kalamitsia is ruined, alone near the village of Melanes. The road that leads us to the monastery is dirtyroad, while you will find the beautiful and abandoned monastery built in a ravine.

Natural water springs pass through the monastery, while the irrigation system of the monastery was really advanced for its time. Today the abandonment is obvious but the beauty of the building is unique and betrays the bygone glamor.

Macedonia Thessaloniki Tours

Modiano Market

Modiano Market

Modiano Market is an enclosed market in Thessaloniki, Greece. It was built between 1922 and 1930, in the center of the city and forms the central point of the city’s market which encompasses over several blocks. It took its name from the architect Eli Modiano, a member of the well known Italian–Jewish Modiano family of the city.
Inside the market there are fish markets, butcher shops, tavernas and bars. It is a place of social meeting and historical significance for the city.

Thessaloniki Alternative holidays Macedonia Monasteries in Greece Monuments Religious holidays

Panagia Chalkeon

Panagia Chalkeon

The temple of Panagia Chalkeon is located in the heart of the historical center, southwest of the Roman Forum and North of Egnatia Street.
Built in 1028 A.D. as mentioned to the founder’s inscription over the west entrance, it has a typical “cross in square form” having four main columns and three domes, something common to several other religious buildings constructed during the “Macedonian” period of the byzantine architecture.
The interior is full of beautiful frescoes. Some of them are dated back to the 11th century A.D, while there are modern ones as well.
During the Ottoman occupation period it was converted into a mosque along with other important temples of Thessaloniki like Agia Sophia (Temple of Holy Wisdom) and Agios Dimitrios.
It is possible that an ancient Greek temple existed in the same place, possibly devoted to Hephaestus due to the fact that this area was traditionally inhabited by the city’s copper-smiths. In fact, the name of the church itself is translated as “The Virgin of the Copper-smiths”.
The site is extremely easy to find, as it is right next to “Aristotelous plaza” heading west. Being in the center of the city it is also accessible by bus.
Within a small distance you’ll have the chance to visit the 15th century Bey Hamam, one of the most important Ottoman buildings of the city.
If you feel like eating or drinking something, you can choose among several different options available in “Aristotelous plaza”, while “Athonos” plaza right next to it is full of bars and restaurants for every taste, which will suit your mood.

Thessaloniki Alternative holidays Archaelogical sites Macedonia Monuments Museums Tours

Roman Agora of Thessaloniki

Roman Agora Thessaloniki

The first building phase of the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki dates back to the middle of the 1st century AD. In this phase, the east wing is organized with a central rectangular space – a boulevard, framed by four rooms on either side. 
Thus the city acquires the first closed gathering place of its beginnings. In the next century (2nd AD) the conservatory is built. 
A small, covered theater, which occupies the space of the boulevard, as well as the two adjoining halls. 
The new space, in addition to meeting the needs of the administration, also hosts artistic performances. 
In the 3rd century AD. 
the conservatory is being renovated. 
In order for the orchestra to grow, the first six rows of stands are removed and its level is raised by 1.00 m. This creates, between the orchestra and the first row of hollow stands, 
an altitude difference of up to 1.60 m. This difference requires the simultaneous elevation of the stage, in order to reach the level of the spectators of the first series. Given that the conservatory of Thessaloniki is part of a building complex and it is not possible to hollow access, all entrances (five), spectators and actors, were placed in front of the complex. 
The extreme entrances were intended for the actors, who entered the backstage and from there to the orchestra and the stage. 
The audience used the three intermediates, which led to a space just below the floor of the stage and then reached the concave through stairs. 
In the middle of the 4th century, the works for the expansion of the conservatory and its transformation into a theater began. 
A ring is made, 
which surrounds the existing concave, 15.00m wide. 
as the infrastructure of the new cavity. 
The tent is raised, reaching the lintels of the entrances, and expands, occupying the corresponding part of the inner portico of the Agora. 
At the same time, the three main entrances of the public are closed, for the entrance of which two staircases were constructed in the adjacent areas, leading to the central frieze of the cavity. As it seems, according to the archeological data, this phase was not completed. 
At the end of the 4th century AD. 
The abandonment of the Roman Agora begins and the conservatory is transformed, with the necessary works, into a funnel for the reception and collection of rainwater. 
occupying the corresponding part of the inner portico of the Market. 
At the same time, the three main entrances of the public are closed, for the entrance of which two staircases were constructed in the adjacent areas, leading to the central frieze of the cavity. As it seems, according to the archeological data, this phase was not completed. 
At the end of the 4th century AD. 
The abandonment of the Roman Agora begins and the conservatory is transformed, with the necessary works, into a funnel for the reception and collection of rainwater. 
occupying the corresponding part of the inner portico of the Market. 
At the same time, the three main entrances of the public are closed, for the entrance of which two staircases were constructed in the adjacent areas, leading to the central frieze of the cavity. As it seems, according to the archeological data, this phase was not completed. 
At the end of the 4th century AD. 
The abandonment of the Roman Agora begins and the conservatory is transformed, with the necessary works, into a funnel for the reception and collection of rainwater.
Thessaloniki Alternative holidays Macedonia Museums Tours

Ataturk Museum

Ataturk Museum

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was born in this house in Apostolou Pavlou St in 1881. In 1935 the Thessaloniki city council decided to give the building to the Turkish State which afterwards converted it into a museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the founder and leader of the modern secular Turkish State. He is considered one of the most important and historic personalities of Turkey.
The house was built in 1870. It has three floors and a courtyard.
After extended repairs and restoration efforts in 1981 it is now housing the Kemal Ataturk museum, while it was repainted to its original colours. In 2013 the museum reopened to the public after an additional restoration plan that lasted 3 years.

Thessaloniki Alternative holidays Macedonia Monuments

Fortress of Eptapyrgiou

Fortress of Eptapyrgiou

Visit the Upper Town and the castle of Thessaloniki. The famous “Ano Poli” (upper town) of Thessaloniki is a historic site of high importance. Upper Town is considered the area which is located on the highest part of the old city. It starts from the north side of the Agios Dimitrios street and extends north up to the walls of the Acropolis, as well as west and east up to the Byzantine Walls,which remain almost intact up to date. In that area, many important monuments of Thessaloniki are located such as the Walls of the Acropolis and Eptapyrgio, the church of Saint David, the church of Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, the Archangels’ church, the Vlatadon monastery, St. Catherine’s church, Prophet Elijah’s church, a Byzantine bath in Crispus square, and the Alaja Imaret of Kassandrou street.
At the northeast corner of the walls lies the Fortress of Eptapyrgiou. The “Eptapyrgio”, known also by the Ottoman name “Yedi Kule”, consists of two modules: The Byzantine fortress and the Peridromo, along with the newer prison buildings. The towers located on the north side are fragments of the early Christian wall of Acropolis, while those on the south side were probably added during the Middle Byzantine period. At times, the monument was used as men’s, women’s and military prisons. In 1989 the prisons were relocated and Eptapyrgio attributed to the authorities of the Ministry of Culture. The interior was remodeled and installations were added both internally and externally. Two large gates, the “Portara”, lead to the inside of the Acropolis, which served as bunker for the citizens in cases of conquest of the city. Further east, at the North and East wall corner, stands the majestic tower of “Trigoniou” (triangle), as the Byzantines used to call it, known also as Aliseos Tower or Cannon Tower, built at the same time with the White Tower.
Besides its historical importance, the Upper City stands out for its beauty. The narrow paved streets, the dead ends, the squares, the small clearings, and the buildings of Macedonian architecture – which are unique in simplicity and elegance, give to this attractive area an entirely unique sense. The area offers many beautiful places to have a cup of coffee and some of the most historic taverns of the city, where you can taste delightful dishes. Taverns of unique style and with amazing view which were haunts for many Greek actors, musicians, and poets. Visit the Upper Town of Thessaloniki and you will realize why many call it as “Another Town”.

Macedonia Alternative holidays Monuments Thessaloniki Tours

Rotunda

Rotunda

The famous Rotunda of Thessaloniki, Macedonia: The Rotunda is one of the most important Roman monuments in Thessaloniki. It stands just next to the Arch of Galerius in the city center and it is also known as the Church of Agios Georgios. This cylindrical structure was built in 306 AD by the Roman tetrarch Galerius, who intended it to be his grave. At first, it worked as a temple but it remains unknown to which god this temple was dedicated.

Eventually, Galerius died in 311 AD and he was buried in Felix Romuliana, modern Serbia. In the 4th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Constantine I converted it into an Orthodox church and many frescoes were painted inside, some of which survive today on the walls of Rotunda .

In the 14th century, the Ottomans occupied Thessaloniki and in 1590, the Rotunda was converted into a mosque. In fact, a minaret was added to the building that has been restored and survives till today. In 1912, the Greeks deliberated Thessaloniki and Rotunda was converted into an Orthodox church again, till 1979, when a strong earthquake caused serious damage to the structure. Presently, the Rotunda has been restored and works as a sculpture museum. Also, it frequently hosts various exhibitions.

The Rotunda has a diameter of 24,5 meters and its walls are more than 6 meters thick, which has protected the monument from time, sieges and earthquakes. This is one of the oldest Orthodox churches and has been included in the UNESCO list of the World Heritage Sites. In fact, all Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki were included in this list in 1988.

Macedonia Alternative holidays Museums Thessaloniki

Museum of Byzantine Culture

Museum of Byzantine Culture

The museum is housed in modern facilities that include advanced, well-organized conservation laboratories and storerooms. Hundreds of unique exhibits and artifacts throughout the entire Byzantine period are displayed in several different rooms.
It has a rather imposing atmopshere while the presentations are well organized and informative.
It is divided in several different thematic sections and collections that cover a wide time period of the city’s Byzantine past. Wonderful mosaics and wall paintings, Byzantine icons and religious architecture, impressive jewellery, rare books and scripts await you there.
A café restaurant, a small amphitheater and a separate section that hosts outdoor exhibitions are some of the extra features available for the visitors.
It is considered one of the best designs of public architecture in Greece, as it successfully combines the Greek architectural heritage with modern elements while using modern materials in a really clever way.
The Museum of Byzantine Culture has been awarded the Council of Europe’s Museum Prize for the year 2005. For years it remains one of the favorite destinations of the city for the majority of the visitors!

Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki
2 Stratou Avenue
54640 Thessaloniki
Greece
T І +30 2313-306400
F І +30 2313-306402
Email: mbp@culture.gr

http://mbp.gr/en

Postal address
Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki
PO BOX 50047
54013 Thessaloniki
Greece