-
315 BCE
Foundation of the city
Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedonia and got its name from Thessaloniki, wife of Cassander and sister of Alexander the Great. -
168 BCE
Roman times
The Romans conquered Thessaloniki in 168 BC and made it the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia.The city became an important trade center , connecting Europe with Asia through Via Egnatia, a road ran from the Adriatic Sea east to Byzantium ( Constantinople). -
49
Apostle Paul in Thessaloniki
In 49 AD the Apostle Paul came to Thessaloniki and preached in the Jewish Synagogue, establishing the new, Christian church. -
298
Early Byzantine times
During the 3rd and 4th century AD the city was further developed, being the second most important city of the Empire after Constantinople.Wonderful churches,palaces and other buildings were built during the reign of Ceasar Galerius: the Roman walls, the Palace Complex, the Hippodrome, the Theater-Stadium, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda. -
630
Church of Saint Demetrius
The Church of Saint Demetrius is dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of the city. It was constructed in the early 4th century AD but reconstructed in about 630 AD. -
1204
Byzantine times
Thessaloniki was raided by numerous enemies: Slavs, Saracen pirates, Normans. In 1204 AD during the fourth crusade the city fell into the hands of the Crusaders who created the 'Kingdom of Thessalonica'. However, the Byzantines managed to gain it back in 1246 AD. -
1430
Ottoman times
In 1430, Murat II conquered Thessaloniki The Ottomans reformed the Castle and built many mosques and baths.The White Tower,symbol of Thessaloniki,was built at the same time. Although the city suffered five centuries of Turkish occupation, its development didn't stop. The population continued to increase and was consisted of Greek Orthodox people, Muslims, and Jews. -
19th century
During the 19th century several wonderful new buildings were built all over the city. The gradually expanding use of steam and the wide spread of the railways tranfsormed Thessaloniki into the largest industrial center in the Balkans.Huge industrial units were constructed along with a new port.The city’s population tripled in a time period from 1840 to 1912. -
Liberation from the Turks
In October 27, 1912 during the first Balkan War the Greek army liberated the city from the Turks.In 1916, in the middle of World War I, Eleftherios Venizelos, the Greek prime minister, formed a new government and made Thessaloniki the capital of the Greek state. -
The Great Fire
In the summer of 1917 broke out a big fire that burnt most of the historical center of Thessaloniki, leaving 73000 homeless and unemployed. It destroyed almost three quarters of the center. Serious efforts and proposals were made by famous architects like Ernest Hebrard in order for the city center to be rebuilt like a modern European capital. -
Recent Times - World War II
In 1941, during World War II, the Nazi Troops got into the city and their occupation lasted until October 1944. Their bombs destroyed a large part of the city and most of the Jewish population was slaughtered. When the war ended, the city was rebuilt and became a modern European city. -
1950s - 1960s
During the 50’s and the 60’s the city experienced a construction growth that transformed the city center to its present form. -
Thessaloniki’s 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In 1988, the Early Christian and Byzantine sites of Thessaloniki were declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Monuments.These include the city’s Byzantine Walls, the Rotunda, the churches of the Acheiropoietos, Saint Demetrius, Hosios David, Saint Sophia among others, the Vlatadon Monastery as well the Byzantine baths. -
Thessaloniki, the European Capital of Culture for 1997
Thessaloniki was chosen as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 1997. Many celebrations and exhibitions were organized to broaden the history of the town all over Europe. From street performances and photo exhibitions to competitions among European artists, theatre performances and lectures, Thessaloniki had the chance for a whole year to prove her role as a powerful and important town.