Day 3: Thessaloniki

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Since there is no way for me to summarize today’s activities into one entry, I have decided to break it into two separate posts. Today’s entry will cover the places we saw this morning in Thessaloniki, a beautiful port town in northwest Greece. 

First I must say, “Thank you,” to our incredible guides. Vasilica took us all around Thessaloniki in the morning. Marili took the reins for our two-hour drive to and the archeological tour of Philippi. Along with Anthula, our guide for the week, they took very good care of us. 

THESSALONIKI

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece behind Athens. The main religion is Christian Orthodox. It is home to three soccer teams: The Gods of War, The Double-Headed Eagles of the North, and The Yellow Backs. The people are friendly and seem to appreciate it when we attempt to tell them, “thank you” in Greek. 

The Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis

We learned today that each of the Greek cities has built a fortress of sorts on the top of their highest mountain. These acropolises serve to protect people from invasion or other crises.

This is the place where we gathered today to look out over the city. We could see the White Tower, churches, ships, soccer arenas and, off in the distance to our southwest, Mt. Olympus.

Just outside of the old city wall is Jason’s House. He is mentioned in Acts 17:1-5.

The White Tower

The tower was built in the 12th century by the Byzantines. Later the Ottomans used it as a prison. They executed their prisoners by beheading them on the top of the tower, allowing their blood to spill down the sides. So the tower was red — or brown — or nasty. Later it was painted white and later still it was restored to natural stones. 

The Basilica of St. Demetrius

Demetrius was a Roman soldier who became a Christian. He was martyred by spears and became the patron saint of Thessaloniki. This basilica was built over his tomb. We were able to step down into the catacombs after touring the sanctuary. Interestingly some of the mosaics are 1200 years old! 

Alexander the Great

He was 20 years only when his father died leaving him in charge. His half-sister, Thessaloniki, married King Cassander of Macedonia who founded the city in 315 BC and named it after her. 

It is said that looking down at the city from the mountains, she resembles a mermaid who is looking for her brother, Alexander the Great. And if while traveling the local waters you should see the mermaid, Thessaloniki, and should she ask you if her brother is still alive, you should quickly say, “yes,” or she will eat you!

The Lion of Amphipolis

This tomb sculpture is 13 feet tall (26 feet including the base) and was built in the 4th century BC. It was discovered in pieces during the First Balkan War of 1912-13, in World War I in 1916 and during the draining of the Strymonas River and Lake Kerkini. Eventually it was reconstructed and now sits beside a highway near Thessaloniki. 

We did not get the opportunity to walk through some of the beautiful cemeteries. Some were dedicated to the World War I allies and to various people groups. The Muslims, however, are buried in the far northeastern portion of the country. 

It was amazing to walk on the stones that had been laid so many centuries ago. With all the modernities of the city blended with the ancient, it was hard to imagine the sights, sounds and smells of bygone days.

What a morning.