View source for Thessaloniki

{{Short description|Second-largest city in Greece}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Thessaloniki
| native_name        = {{lang|el|Θεσσαλονίκη}}
| other_name         = Saloniki
<!-- NOTE: Do not add or change images without consensus. -->| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| perrow = 1/2/2/1
| total_width = 290
| align = center
| caption_align = center
| image1 = White Tower and Beach front.jpg
| caption1                 = View of [[#Parks and recreation|Thessaloniki's waterfront]] and the [[Thermaic Gulf]]
| image2 = Tower of Thessaloniki - panoramio.jpg
| caption2                 = [[White Tower of Thessaloniki]]
| image3 = Thessaloniki Heptapyrgion northeastern wall from the inner yard.jpg
| caption3                 = [[Heptapyrgion]]
| image4 = Galerius Arch (Thessaloniki) (cropped).jpg
| caption4                = [[Arch of Galerius]]
| image5 = Базилика Святого Димитрия - panoramio.jpg
| caption5                 = [[Hagios Demetrios|Church of Saint Demetrius]]
| image6 = Θεσσαλονίκη 2014 (The Statue of Alexander the Great) - panoramio (2).jpg
| caption6                 = The statue of [[Alexander the Great]]
| image8 = Aristotelous Plateia 2006 (cropped).jpg
| caption8                 = [[Aristotelous Square|Aristotle Square]]
}}
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in Greece|City]]
| nickname           = The [[Nymph]] of the [[Thermaic Gulf]]<ref>{{cite book |first1=Esther |last1=Soloman |first2=Styliana |last2=Galiniki |chapter=13: Las Incantadas of Salonika: searching for 'enchantment' in a city's exiled heritage |title=Hellenomania |location=New York |publisher=Routledge |year=2018}}</ref>
| image_flag         = Flag of Thessaloniki.svg
| flag_link          = List of Greek flags#Regional and municipal flags
| image_seal         = Thessaloniki seal.svg
| image_blank_emblem = City of Thessaloniki logo.svg
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
| blank_emblem_size  = 200
| blank_emblem_alt   = Logo of the City of Thessaloniki
| image_map          = 2011 Dimos Thessalonikis.png
| map_caption        = Location of the [[Thessaloniki (municipality)|Municipality of Thessaloniki]] within Central Macedonia
| pushpin_map        = Greece#Balkans#Europe
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| coordinates        = {{Wikidatacoord|Q17151|region:GR-54_type:city|display=it}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Greece}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Geographic regions of Greece|Geographic region]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|Macedonia (Greece)|name=Macedonia}}
| subdivision_type2  = [[Administrative regions of Greece|Administrative region]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Central Macedonia]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Regional units of Greece|Regional unit]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Thessaloniki (regional unit)|Thessaloniki]]
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government]]
| leader_party       = {{nowrap|[[PASOK – Movement for Change|PASOK]]}}
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Thessaloniki|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Stelios Angeloudis]]<ref name=mayor>[https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/d/home/en/municipalities/9031/ Municipality of Thessaloniki, Municipal elections – October 2023] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508120902/https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/d/home/en/municipalities/9031/ |date=8 May 2024 }}, Ministry of Interior</ref>
| parts_type         = [[Municipalities of Greece|Municipalities]]
| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = 7
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 315 BC ({{age|-315|1|1}} years ago)
| established_title2 = Incorporated
| established_date2  = {{Nowrap|October 1912 ({{age|1912|10|26}} years ago)}}
| population_as_of   = 2021
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2021census"/>
| area_total_km2     = 19.307
| population_total   = 319045
| population_density_km2 = auto
| total_type         = [[Thessaloniki (municipality)|Municipality]]
| population_rank    = [[List of cities in Greece|2nd]] urban, 2nd metro in Greece
| population_urban   = 802572
| area_urban_km2     = 111.703
| population_density_urban_km2 = auto
| population_metro   = 1006112
| population_density_metro_km2 =
|population_metro_footnotes=<ref name="urban metro" />
|population_urban_footnotes=<ref name="urban metro">Thessaloniki is an urban area defined in 1985 through Law 1561/1985. Since the [[Kallikratis Plan|Kallikratis reform]] it has been made up of the municipalities of Thessaloniki (325,182), [[Kalamaria]] (91,518), [[Neapoli-Sykies|Neapoli{{endash}}Sykies]] (84,741), [[Pavlos Melas (municipality)|Pavlos Melas]] (99,245), [[Kordelio-Evosmos|Kordelio{{endash}}Evosmos]] (101,753), [[Ampelokipoi-Menemeni|Ampelokipoi{{endash}}Menemeni]] (52,127), and the municipal units of [[Pylaia]] and [[Panorama, Thessaloniki|Panorama]] (34,625 and 17,444; part of the municipality of [[Pylaia-Chortiatis|Pylaia{{endash}}Chortiatis]]). The [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area]] was defined by the same law and is made up of the urban area plus the municipalities of [[Delta, Thessaloniki|Delta]] (45,839), [[Oraiokastro]] (38,317), [[Thermaikos]] (50,264), [[Thermi]] (53,201), and the municipal unit of [[Chortiatis]] (18,041; part of the municipality of [[Pylaia-Chortiatis|Pylaia{{endash}}Chortiatis]]), for a total of 1,030,338. See {{Cite web |url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wHO1H1f3wMBQHdtvSoClrL8xsqFXEcDVXt5MXD0LzQTLWPU9yLzB8V68knBzLCmTXKaO6fpVZ6Lx9hLslJUqeiQYnJ0rXgB9l_ZIK4zLb8ji7AGLfboDNaz61qOy2y3UGw. |script-title=el:Εφημερίς της Κυβερνήσεως της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας |date=6 September 1985 |publisher=National Printing House |location=Athens |page=2332 |language=el |trans-title=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]] of the Hellenic Republic |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227220856/http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wHO1H1f3wMBQHdtvSoClrL8xsqFXEcDVXt5MXD0LzQTLWPU9yLzB8V68knBzLCmTXKaO6fpVZ6Lx9hLslJUqeiQYnJ0rXgB9l_ZIK4zLb8ji7AGLfboDNaz61qOy2y3UGw. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός - ELSTAT |url=https://www.statistics.gr/2021-census-res-pop-results |access-date=10 June 2023 |website=www.statistics.gr |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105191336/https://www.statistics.gr/2021-census-res-pop-results |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| area_metro_km2     = 1,285.61
| population_demonym = [[wikt:Thessalonian|Thessalonian]], [[wikt:Thessalonican|Thessalonican]]
| timezone1          = [[East European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset1        = +2
| timezone1_DST      = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = +3
| elevation_min_m    = 0
| elevation_max_m    = 250
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal codes in Greece|Postal codes]]
| postal_code        = 53xxx, 54xxx, 55xxx, 56xxx
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Greece|Area code]]
| area_code          = 2310
| registration_plate = [[Vehicle registration plates of Greece|NA to NX]]
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Patron saint]]
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Saint Demetrius]] {{nowrap|(26 October)}}
| blank_name_sec2    = [[Gross regional domestic product]] {{nobold|([[Purchasing power parity|PPP]] 2015)}}
| blank_info_sec2    = €18.77&nbsp;billion {{nowrap|(${{toUSD|18.77|EUR|year=2015}} billion)}}<ref name="Eurostat GDP">{{cite web |url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nama_10r_3gdp&lang=en |title=Gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices at NUTS level 3 |publisher=[[Eurostat]] |access-date=27 January 2019 |archive-date=28 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128030357/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nama_10r_3gdp&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| blank1_name_sec2   = &nbsp;•&nbsp;Per capita
| blank1_info_sec2   = €16,900<ref name="Eurostat GDP" />
| website            = [https://www.thessaloniki.gr/ www.thessaloniki.gr]
| official_name      = 
}}

'''Thessaloniki''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|θ|ɛ|s|ə|l|ə|ˈ|n|iː|k|i}}; {{langx|el|Θεσσαλονίκη}} {{IPA|el|θesaloˈnici||Thessaloniki.ogg}}; [[#Names and etymology|also known by various spellings and names]]) is a city in northern [[Greece]]. The nation's second-largest, with slightly over one million inhabitants in its [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area|metropolitan area]], it is the [[capital city|capital]] of the [[geographic regions of Greece|geographic region]] of [[Macedonia (Greece)|Macedonia]], the [[administrative regions of Greece|administrative region]] of [[Central Macedonia]] and the [[Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace]].<ref>{{harvnb|Greek Republic|2011|p=22|loc=Έδρα της περιφέρειας Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας είναι η Θεσσαλονίκη. (The capital of the region of Central Macedonia is Thessaloniki.)}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Greek Republic|2011|p=25|loc=Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση Μακεδονίας – Θράκης, η οποία εκτείνεται στα όρια της περιφέρειας Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας – Θράκης και Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας, με έδρα την Θεσσαλονίκη. ([The creation of the] Decentralized Administration of Macedonia-Thrace, which includes the modern regions of East Macedonia-Thrace and Central Macedonia, with Thessaloniki as capital}}</ref> It is also known in Greek as {{Lang|el-Latn|i Symprotévousa}}, literally "the co-capital",<ref name="Greek Experience">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x9TG0Q0xKJYC&q=Thessaloniki+co-capital&pg=PA19 |title=Regional analysis and policy: the Greek experience |author1=Harry Coccossis |author2=Yannis Psycharis |year=2008 |publisher=Springer |page=19 |access-date=19 August 2011 |isbn=9783790820867 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023014/https://books.google.com/books?id=x9TG0Q0xKJYC&q=Thessaloniki+co-capital&pg=PA19#v=snippet&q=Thessaloniki%20co-capital&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> a reference to its historical status as the "co-reigning" city ({{Lang|el-Latn|Symvasilévousa}}) of the [[Byzantine Empire]] alongside [[Constantinople]].<ref name="Neoclassical">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/neoclassicalarch0000bire |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/neoclassicalarch0000bire/page/176 176] |quote=Thessaloniki. |title=Neoclassical architecture in Greece |publisher=Getty Publications |author1=Manos G. Birēs |author2=Marō Kardamitsē-Adamē |year=2004 |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9780892367757}}</ref>

Thessaloniki is located on the [[Thermaic Gulf]], at the northwest corner of the [[Aegean Sea]]. It is bounded on the west by the [[Axios Delta National Park|delta of the Axios]]. The [[Thessaloniki (municipality)|municipality of Thessaloniki]], the historical centre, had a population of 319,045 in 2021,<ref name=2021census/> while the [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area]] had 1,006,112 inhabitants and the [[Thessaloniki (regional unit)|greater region]] had 1,092,919.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="urban metro" /> It is Greece's second major economic, industrial, commercial and political centre, and a major transportation hub for Greece and southeastern Europe, notably through the [[Port of Thessaloniki]].<ref name="Development">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YIvtcyGA890C&q=port+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA43 |title=Regional development in Greece |author1=Nicholas Konsolas |author2=Athanassios Papadaskalopoulos |author3=Ilias Plaskovitis |year=2002 |publisher=Springer |access-date=16 August 2011 |isbn=9783540423959 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023037/https://books.google.com/books?id=YIvtcyGA890C&q=port+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA43#v=snippet&q=port%20of%20Thessaloniki&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The city is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general.<ref name="Lonely Planet Thessaloniki">{{cite web |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/northern-greece/thessaloniki |title=Introducing Thessaloniki |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] travel guides |access-date=19 August 2011 |archive-date=9 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209050053/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/northern-greece/thessaloniki |url-status=live }}</ref> Events such as the [[Thessaloniki International Fair]] and the [[Thessaloniki International Film Festival]] are held annually. Thessaloniki was the 2014 [[European Youth Capital]]. The city's main university, [[Aristotle University]], is the largest in Greece and the [[Balkans]].<ref name="AUTH">{{cite web |url=https://uni-foundation.eu/university/aristotle-university-of-thessaloniki/ |title=Aristotle University of Thessaloniki |publisher=European University Foundation |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216091510/https://uni-foundation.eu/university/aristotle-university-of-thessaloniki/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The city was founded in 315&nbsp;BC by [[Cassander|Cassander of Macedon]], who named it after his wife [[Thessalonike of Macedon|Thessalonike]], daughter of [[Philip II of Macedon]] and sister of [[Alexander the Great]]. It was built 40&nbsp;km southeast of [[Pella]], the capital of the [[Kingdom of Macedonia]]. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the [[Byzantine Empire]]. It [[Siege of Thessalonica (1422–1430)|was conquered by the Ottomans]] in 1430 and remained an important seaport and multi-ethnic metropolis during the nearly five centuries of [[Ottoman Greece|Turkish rule]], with churches, mosques, and synagogues co-existing side by side. From the 16th to the 20th century it was the only [[History of the Jews in Thessaloniki|Jewish-majority city in Europe]]. It passed from the [[Ottoman Empire]] to the [[Kingdom of Greece]] on 8 November 1912. Thessaloniki exhibits [[Byzantine architecture]], including [[Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki|numerous Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments]], a [[World Heritage Site]], and several [[Roman Empire|Roman]], [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] and [[Sephardic Jewish]] structures.

In 2013, ''[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic Magazine]]'' included Thessaloniki in its top tourist destinations worldwide,<ref name="best trips 2013">{{cite web |url=http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2013/#/white-tower-thessaloniki-greece_61109_600x450.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130171317/http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2013#/white-tower-thessaloniki-greece_61109_600x450.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 November 2012 |title=Best Trips 2013 – Thessaloniki |date=December 2012 |publisher=[[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]] |access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref> while in 2014 ''[[Financial Times]]'' FDI magazine (Foreign Direct Investments) declared Thessaloniki as the best mid-sized European city of the future for human capital and lifestyle.<ref name="Η Θεσσαλονίκη αναδείχθηκε σε ευρωπαϊκή πόλη του μέλλοντος για το 2014 Best Mid- Sized city for human capital & lifestyle">{{cite web |url=http://www.lifo.gr/now/greece/42471 |title=Η Θεσσαλονίκη αναδείχθηκε σε ευρωπαϊκή πόλη του μέλλοντος για το 2014 &#124; ΕΛΛΑΔΑ &#124; ΕΙΔΗΣΕΙΣ &#124; LiFO |date=17 February 2014 |publisher=lifo.gr |access-date=7 December 2014 |archive-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225133630/http://www.lifo.gr/now/greece/42471 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="European Cities and Regions of the Future 2014/15">{{cite web |url=http://static.tijd.be/upload/European_Cities_and_Regions_of_the_Future_201415_4687454-10313872.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://static.tijd.be/upload/European_Cities_and_Regions_of_the_Future_201415_4687454-10313872.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |date=17 February 2014 |title=European Cities and Regions of the Future 2014/15 |access-date=7 December 2014}}</ref>

==<span class="anchor" id="Names and etymology"></span><span class="anchor" id="Name"></span><span class="anchor" id="Etymology"></span><span class="anchor" id="Names"></span>Names and etymology==
{{see also|Names of Thessaloniki in different languages}}
[[File:Thessaloniki-ancient inscription.png|thumb|Inscription reading "To Queen [[Thessalonike of Macedon|Thessalonike]], (Daughter) of [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip]]", [[Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki]]]]

The original name of the city was {{lang|grc|Θεσσαλονίκη}} {{Lang|grc-Latn|Thessaloníkē|italic=yes}}. It was named after the princess [[Thessalonike of Macedon]], the half-sister of [[Alexander the Great]], whose name means "Thessalian victory", from {{lang|grc|[[wikt:Θεσσαλός|Θεσσαλός]]}} Thessalos, and {{lang|grc |[[wikt:Νίκη|Νίκη]]}} 'victory' ([[Nike (mythology)|Nike]]), honoring the Macedonian victory at the [[Battle of Crocus Field]] (353/352&nbsp;BC).

Minor variants are also found, including {{lang|el|Θετταλονίκη}} {{Lang|el-Latn|Thettaloníkē}},<ref>''[[Inscriptiones Graecae]]'', X 2. 1 ''Thessalonica et vicinia'', p. 19</ref><ref>Πολυβίου Ιστοριών τα σωζόμενα, Editore Ambrosio Firmin Didot, Parisiis, MDCCCXXXIX σελ. 679</ref> {{lang|el|Θεσσαλονίκεια}} {{Lang|el-Latn|Thessaloníkeia}},<ref>{{cite book |last=[[Strabo]] |chapter-url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0198:book=7:chapter=7 |title=Geographica |volume=7 |chapter=7 |access-date=21 February 2021 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308011842/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0198:book=7:chapter=7 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{lang|el|Θεσσαλονείκη}} {{Lang|el-Latn|Thessaloneíkē}}, and {{lang|el|Θεσσαλονικέων}} {{Lang|el-Latn|Thessalonikéon}}.<ref>''[[Inscriptiones Graecae]]'', Χ 2.1 Thessalonica et vicinia – 19, 24, 150, 162, 165, 167, 177–179, 181, 199, 200, 207, 231–233, 283, 838, 1021, 1026, 1028, 1031, 1034, 1035</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Ioannis Touratsoglou |title=Die Münzstätte von Thessaloniki in der römischen Kaiserzeit |language=de |location=Berlin |publisher=[[De Gruyter|Verlag Walter de Gruyter]] |year=1988 |pages=115–16}}</ref>

The name {{lang|el|Σαλονίκη}} {{Lang|el-Latn|Saloníki}} is first attested in Greek in the [[Chronicle of the Morea]] (14th century), and is common in [[folk song]]s, but it must have originated earlier, as [[Muhammad al-Idrisi|al-Idrisi]] called it ''Salunik'' already in the 12th century. It is the basis for the city's name in other languages: {{lang|cu|Солѹнъ}} (''Solunŭ'') in [[Old Church Slavonic]], {{lang|lad|סאלוניקו}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cover |url=https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/p16786coll3/id/3595/rec/5 |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=Digital collections |publisher=U. Washington |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731162936/https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/p16786coll3/id/3595/rec/5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Details – Kima |url=https://geo-kima.org/Places/Details?id=103 |access-date=25 January 2023 |website=geo-kima.org |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125082924/https://geo-kima.org/Places/Details?id=103 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ({{Lang|lad-Latn|Saloniko}}) in [[Judaeo-Spanish|Judeo-Spanish]] (שאלוניקי prior to the 19th century<ref name=":0" />) {{lang|he|סלוניקי}} ({{Lang|lad-Latn|Saloniki}}) in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], ''Selanik'' in [[Albanian language|Albanian]], {{lang|ota|سلانیك}} (''Selânik'') in [[Ottoman Turkish language|Ottoman Turkish]] and {{Lang|tr|Selanik}} in [[Turkish language|modern Turkish]], {{lang|it|Salonicco}} in [[Italian language|Italian]], ''Solun'' or {{lang|mk|Солун}} in the [[Slavic speakers of Greek Macedonia|local]] and neighboring [[South Slavic languages]], {{lang|ru|Салоники}} (''Saloníki'') in [[Russian language|Russian]], {{lang|rup|Sãrunã}} in [[Aromanian language|Aromanian]]<ref>Α.Ι. Θαβώρης (Antonios Thavoris), "Θεσσαλονίκη – Σαλονίκη. Η ιστορία του ονόματος της πόλης" (Thessaloniki-Saloniki: The history of the name of the city), "Η Θεσσαλονίκη" (''Thessaloniki''), Κέντρο Ιστορίας Θεσσαλονίκης (Centre for the History of Thessaloniki), Δήμος Θεσσαλονίκης (City of Thessaloniki), 1985, p. 5-21.</ref> and {{lang|ruq|Săruna}} in [[Megleno-Romanian language|Megleno-Romanian]].<ref>[https://www.oeaw.ac.at/fileadmin/kommissionen/vanishinglanguages/Collections/Meglen_Vlach/Bibliography_pdfs/Lozovanu_Dorin_2012_-_Meglenoromanii.pdf MEGLENOROMÂNII–ASPECTE ISTORICE, GEOGRAFICE, ETNOIDENTITARE ȘI ETNODEMOGRAFICE] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123213709/https://www.oeaw.ac.at/fileadmin/kommissionen/vanishinglanguages/Collections/Meglen_Vlach/Bibliography_pdfs/Lozovanu_Dorin_2012_-_Meglenoromanii.pdf |date=23 January 2023 }}. p. 328.</ref>

In English, the city can be called Thessaloniki, Salonika, Thessalonica, Salonica, Thessalonika, Saloniki, Thessalonike, or Thessalonice. In printed texts, the most common name and spelling until the early 20th century was Thessalonica ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|θ|ɛ|s|ə|l|ə|'|n|ai|k|ə|,_|ˌ|θ|ɛ|s|ə|ˈ|l|ɒ|n|ɪ|k|ə}}), matching the Latin name; through most of rest of the 20th century, it was Salonika ({{IPAc-en|s|ə|ˈ|l|ɒ|n|ɪ|k|ə|,_|ˌ|s|æ|l|ə|ˈ|n|iː|k|ə
}}). By about 1985, the most common single name became Thessaloniki.<ref>Google nGrams [https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Saloniki%2CThessaloniki%2CThessalonica%2CThessalonika%2CSalonica%2CSalonika%2CThessalonike%2CSalonike%2CThessalonice&year_start=1800&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=10&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2CSaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonice%3B%2Cc0#t1%3B%2CSaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonice%3B%2Cc0 graph] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023017/https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Saloniki%2CThessaloniki%2CThessalonica%2CThessalonika%2CSalonica%2CSalonika%2CThessalonike%2CSalonike%2CThessalonice&year_start=1800&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=10&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2CSaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonice%3B%2Cc0#t1%3B%2CSaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessaloniki%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonica%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonika%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CSalonike%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThessalonice%3B%2Cc0 |date=15 March 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Thessaloniki%2BThessalonica%2BThessalonika%2BThessalonike%2BThessalonice%2CSaloniki%2BSalonica%2BSalonika%2BSalonike%2BSalonice&year_start=1800&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=10&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2C%28Thessaloniki%20%2B%20Thessalonica%20%2B%20Thessalonika%20%2B%20Thessalonike%20%2B%20Thessalonice%29%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C%28Saloniki%20%2B%20Salonica%20%2B%20Salonika%20%2B%20Salonike%20%2B%20Salonice%29%3B%2Cc0#t1%3B%2C(Thessaloniki%20%2B%20Thessalonica%20%2B%20Thessalonika%20%2B%20Thessalonike%20%2B%20Thessalonice)%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C(Saloniki%20%2B%20Salonica%20%2B%20Salonika%20%2B%20Salonike%20%2B%20Salonice)%3B%2Cc0 |title=Google nGrams |access-date=7 June 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023018/https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Thessaloniki%2BThessalonica%2BThessalonika%2BThessalonike%2BThessalonice%2CSaloniki%2BSalonica%2BSalonika%2BSalonike%2BSalonice&year_start=1800&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=10&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2C%28Thessaloniki%20%2B%20Thessalonica%20%2B%20Thessalonika%20%2B%20Thessalonike%20%2B%20Thessalonice%29%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C%28Saloniki%20%2B%20Salonica%20%2B%20Salonika%20%2B%20Salonike%20%2B%20Salonice%29%3B%2Cc0#t1%3B%2C(Thessaloniki%20%2B%20Thessalonica%20%2B%20Thessalonika%20%2B%20Thessalonike%20%2B%20Thessalonice)%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C(Saloniki%20%2B%20Salonica%20%2B%20Salonika%20%2B%20Salonike%20%2B%20Salonice)%3B%2Cc0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The forms with the Latin ending ''-a'' taken together remain more common than those with the phonetic Greek ending ''-i'' and much more common than the ancient transliteration ''-e''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Saloniki%2BThessaloniki%2CThessalonica%2BThessalonika%2BSalonica%2BSalonika%2CSalonike%2BThessalonike%2BThessalonice%2BSalonice&year_start=1800&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=10&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2C%28Saloniki%20%2B%20Thessaloniki%29%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C%28Thessalonica%20%2B%20Thessalonika%20%2B%20Salonica%20%2B%20Salonika%29%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C%28Salonike%20%2B%20Thessalonike%20%2B%20Thessalonice%20%2B%20Salonice%29%3B%2Cc0 |title=Google nGrams |access-date=7 June 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023032/https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Saloniki%2BThessaloniki%2CThessalonica%2BThessalonika%2BSalonica%2BSalonika%2CSalonike%2BThessalonike%2BThessalonice%2BSalonice&year_start=1800&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=10&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2C%28Saloniki%20%2B%20Thessaloniki%29%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C%28Thessalonica%20%2B%20Thessalonika%20%2B%20Salonica%20%2B%20Salonika%29%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2C%28Salonike%20%2B%20Thessalonike%20%2B%20Thessalonice%20%2B%20Salonice%29%3B%2Cc0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Thessaloniki was revived as the city's official name in 1912, when it joined the [[Kingdom of Greece (Glücksburg)|Kingdom of Greece]] during the [[Balkan Wars]].<ref>{{harvnb|Mazower|2004|p=18}}</ref> In local speech, the city's name is typically pronounced with a dark and deep ''[[Velarized alveolar lateral approximant|L]]'', characteristic of the accent of the modern [[Varieties of Modern Greek#Modern varieties|Macedonian dialect]] of [[Greek language|Greek]].<ref>
{{cite book |last=Ανδριώτης (Andriotis) |first=Νικόλαος Π. (Nikolaos P.) |year=1995 |title=Ιστορία της ελληνικής γλώσσας: (τέσσερις μελέτες) (History of the Greek language: four studies) |publisher=Ίδρυμα Τριανταφυλλίδη |location=Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessaloniki) |isbn=960-231-058-8 |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Vitti |first=Mario |year=2001 |title=Storia della letteratura neogreca |publisher=Carocci |location=Roma |isbn=88-430-1680-6 |language=it}}</ref> The name is often abbreviated as {{lang|el|Θεσ/νίκη}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Θεσ/νίκη - Wiktionary, the free dictionary |url=https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83/%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7 |access-date=20 July 2025 |website=en.wiktionary.org}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Thessaloniki}}

===From classical antiquity to the Roman Empire===
[[File:Kassander316BC.jpg|alt=|thumb|Ancient coin depicting [[Cassander]], son of [[Antipater]], and founder of the city of Thessaloniki]]
The city was founded around 315&nbsp;BC by the [[Cassander|King Cassander of Macedon]], on or near the site of the ancient town of [[Therma]] and 26 other local villages.<ref>[[Strabo]] VIII Fr. 21,24</ref><ref>Paul's early period, [[Rainer Riesner]], Doug Scott, p. 338, {{ISBN|0-8028-4166-X}}</ref> He named it after his wife [[Thessalonike of Macedon|Thessalonike]],<ref name="Paul of Tarsus">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qLdRFMbHfGIC&pg=PA209 |title=The three worlds of Paul of Tarsus |first1=Richard |last1=Wallace |first2=Wynne |last2=Williams |year=1998 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=978-0-20306973-8 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023018/https://books.google.com/books?id=qLdRFMbHfGIC&pg=PA209 |url-status=live }}</ref> a half-sister of [[Alexander the Great]] and princess of Macedonia as daughter of [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]. Under the kingdom of Macedonia the city retained its own autonomy and parliament<ref name= "Thessalonica parliament">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TD0D0zYQcJYC&pg=PA171 |title=E-Learning Methodologies and Computer Applications in Archaeology |first=Dionysios |last=Politis |year=2008 |publisher=IGI Global |access-date=18 June 2012 |isbn=978-1-59904761-4 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023018/https://books.google.com/books?id=TD0D0zYQcJYC&pg=PA171 |url-status=live }}</ref> and evolved to become the most important city in Macedonia.<ref name="Paul of Tarsus"/> Nonetheless, [[Pella]] remained the capital of [[Macedon]] until its fall.

Twenty years after the fall of the [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Kingdom of Macedonia]] in 168&nbsp;BC, in 148 BC, Thessalonica was made the capital of the [[Macedonia (Roman province)|Roman province of Macedonia]].<ref>[https://www.worldhistory.org/Thessalonica/ "Thessalonica"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507080523/https://www.worldhistory.org/Thessalonica/ |date=7 May 2021 }}, Ancient History Encyclopedia</ref> Thessalonica became a [[free city (antiquity)|free city]] of the [[Roman Republic]] under [[Mark Antony]] in 41&nbsp;BC.<ref name= "Paul of Tarsus"/><ref name="Sacra Pagina">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LDf2iZfPCL0C |title=First and Second Thessalonians |first=Earl J. |last=Richard |year=2007 |publisher=Liturgical Press |access-date=24 June 2012 |isbn=978-0-81465974-8 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023553/https://books.google.com/books?id=LDf2iZfPCL0C |url-status=live }}</ref> It grew to be an important trade hub located on the ''[[Via Egnatia]]'',<ref name= "LPTH">[http://www.lpth.org/en/ White Tower Museum – A Timeline of Thessaloniki] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110126180435/http://www.lpth.org/en/ |date=26 January 2011}}</ref> the road connecting [[Dyrrhachium]] with [[Byzantium]],<ref name="Via Egnatia">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W-L1DA1ptKQC&pg=PA409 |title=The Book of Acts in Its Graeco-Roman Setting |first1=David W. J. |last1=Gill |first2=Conrad |last2=Gempf |year=1994 |publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=978-0-80284847-5 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023556/https://books.google.com/books?id=W-L1DA1ptKQC&pg=PA409#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> which facilitated trade between Thessaloniki and great centres of commerce such as [[Rome]] and [[Byzantium]].<ref name="Urban history">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cXuCjDbxC1YC&pg=PA188 |title=Urban world history: an economic and geographical perspective |first=Luc-Normand |last=Tellier |year=2009 |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=978-276052209-1 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023543/https://books.google.com/books?id=cXuCjDbxC1YC&pg=PA188#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Thessaloniki also lies at the southern end of the main north–south route through the Balkans along the valleys of the [[Great Morava|Morava]] and [[Vardar|Axios]] river valleys, thereby linking the Balkans with the rest of Greece.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Early Medieval Balkans |last=V. A. Fine, Jr. |first=John |author-link=John V. A. Fine, Jr. |year=1991 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |isbn=978-0-472-08149-3 |page=336}}</ref> The city became the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia.<ref name= "LPTH" />

At the time of the Roman Empire, about 50 AD, Thessaloniki was also one of the [[early centres of Christianity]]; while on his second missionary journey, [[Paul the Apostle]] visited this city's chief synagogue on three Sabbaths and sowed the seeds for Thessaloniki's first Christian church. Later, Paul wrote letters to the new church at Thessaloniki, with two letters to the church under his name appearing in the [[Biblical canon]] as [[First Epistle to the Thessalonians|First]] and [[Second Epistle to the Thessalonians|Second Thessalonians]]. Some scholars hold that the First Epistle to the Thessalonians is the first written book of the [[New Testament]].<ref name="Jewish Annotated">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DZRJ5zXUI2QC |title=The Jewish Annotated New Testament |author1=Amy-Jill Levine |author2=Marc Z. Brettler |year=2011 |publisher=Oxford University Press, USA |access-date=24 June 2012 |isbn=9780195297706 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023547/https://books.google.com/books?id=DZRJ5zXUI2QC |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Ροτόντα 1617.jpg|thumb|The fourth-century AD [[Arch of Galerius and Rotunda|Rotunda of Galerius]], one of several Roman monuments in the city and a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]]]

In 306 AD, Thessaloniki acquired a patron saint, [[Demetrius of Thessaloniki|St. Demetrius]], a Christian whom Galerius is said to have put to death. Most scholars agree with [[Hippolyte Delehaye]]'s theory that Demetrius was not a Thessaloniki native, but his veneration was transferred to Thessaloniki when it replaced [[Sirmium]] as the main military base in the Balkans.<ref>{{cite journal |first=David |last=Woods |title=Thessalonica's Patron: Saint Demetrius or Emeterius? |year=2000 |journal=Harvard Theological Review |volume=93 |issue=3 |pages=221–234 |jstor=1510028 |doi=10.1017/S001781600002530X |s2cid=162463136}}</ref> A [[basilica]]l church dedicated to St. Demetrius, [[Hagios Demetrios]], was first built in the fifth century AD and is now a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].

When the Roman Empire was divided into the [[tetrarchy]], Thessaloniki became the administrative capital of one of the four portions of the Empire under [[Galerius|Galerius Maximianus Caesar]],<ref name="Roman Empire">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DWiyzw91atgC&q=Thessalonika&pg=PA400 |title=The Roman Empire from Severus to Constantine |author=Pat Southern |year=2001 |publisher=Routledge |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=9780415239431 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023544/https://books.google.com/books?id=DWiyzw91atgC&q=Thessalonika&pg=PA400 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Roman Empire 2">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/meaninggeography0000lago |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/meaninggeography0000lago/page/52 52] |quote=Roman Empire tetrarchy Thessaloniki. |title=Meaning and geography: the social conception of the region in northern Greece |publisher=Walter de Gruyter |first1=Alexandros Ph |last1=Lagopoulos |first2=Karin |last2=Boklund-Lagopoulou |year=1992 |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=978-311012956-4}}</ref> where Galerius commissioned an imperial palace, a new [[hippodrome]], a [[triumphal arch]] and a [[mausoleum]], among other structures.<ref name= "Roman Empire 2"/><ref name="Roman Art">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r-r0S-z-UxkC&pg=PA289 |title=A History of Roman Art |edition=Enhanced |first=Fred S. |last=Kleiner |year=2010 |publisher=Cengage Learning |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=978-0-49590987-3 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023538/https://books.google.com/books?id=r-r0S-z-UxkC&pg=PA289 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name= "Canepa">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=57szORf0_B0C&pg=PA84 |title=The two eyes of the Earth: art and ritual of kingship between Rome and Sasanian Iran |first=Matthew P. |last=Canepa |year=2009 |publisher=University of California Press |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=978-0-52025727-6 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023607/https://books.google.com/books?id=57szORf0_B0C&pg=PA84#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 379, when the Roman [[praetorian prefecture of Illyricum|Prefecture of Illyricum]] was divided between the East and West Roman Empires, Thessaloniki became the capital of the new Prefecture of Illyricum.<ref name="LPTH"/> The following year, the [[Edict of Thessalonica]] made [[Christianity]] the state religion of the [[Roman Empire]].<ref name=Ehler65>{{cite book |pages=6–7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2WuMyEzani8C&pg=PA6 |title=Church and State Through the Centuries: A Collection of Historic Documents with Commentaries |last1=Ehler |first1=Sidney Zdeneck |last2=Morrall |first2=John B |year=1967 |publisher=Biblo & Tannen Publishers |access-date=28 February 2019 |quote=Edict of the Emperors Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I establishing Catholicism as the State Religion, February 27, 380. [...] Given on the 3rd Kalends of March at Thessalonica. |isbn=978-0-81960189-6 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024015/https://books.google.com/books?id=2WuMyEzani8C&pg=PA6#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> In 390, troops under the Roman Emperor [[Theodosius I]] led a [[Massacre of Thessalonica|massacre against the inhabitants of Thessalonica]], who had risen in revolt against the detention of a favorite charioteer. By the time of the [[Fall of the Western Roman Empire|Fall of Rome]] in 476, Thessaloniki was the second-largest city of the [[Byzantine Empire|Eastern Roman Empire]].<ref name= "Urban history" />

===Byzantine era and Middle Ages===
{{See also|Thessalonica (theme)|Demetrius of Thessaloniki |Kingdom of Thessalonica|Empire of Thessalonica|Zealots of Thessalonica}}
[[File:Thessaloniki, Nördliche Stadtmauer (Τείχη της Θεσσαλονίκης) (4. Jhdt.) (47052790724).jpg|alt=|thumb|Section of the [[Walls of Thessaloniki]]]]

From the first years of the [[Byzantine Empire]], Thessaloniki was considered the second city in the Empire after [[Constantinople]],<ref name="DCCXVI">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7D3PAAAAMAAJ&q=Thessalonica+second+city+Byzantine+Empire&pg=PA316 |title=History of the Byzantine empire from DCCXVI to MLVII. |author=George Finlay |year=1856 |access-date=14 August 2011 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026060802/https://books.google.com/books?id=7D3PAAAAMAAJ&q=Thessalonica+second+city+Byzantine+Empire&pg=PA316#v=snippet&q=Thessalonica%20second%20city%20Byzantine%20Empire&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Browing">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/byzantineempire0000brow |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/byzantineempire0000brow/page/73 73] |quote=Thessalonica. |title=The Byzantine Empire |publisher=CUA Press |author=Robert Browning |year=1992 |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780813207544}}</ref><ref name="Last Centuries">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y2d6OHLqwEsC&q=Second+city&pg=PA20 |title=The last centuries of Byzantium, 1261–1453 |author=Donald MacGillivray Nicol |year=1993 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780521439916 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026060208/https://books.google.com/books?id=y2d6OHLqwEsC&q=Second+city&pg=PA20#v=snippet&q=Second%20city&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> both in terms of wealth and size,<ref name="DCCXVI"/> with a population of 150,000 in the mid-12th century.<ref name="google">{{cite book |title=A History of the Byzantine State and Society |author=Treadgold, W.T. |date=1997 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=9780804726306 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nYbnr5XVbzUC |page=702 |access-date=7 December 2014 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122050517/https://books.google.com/books?id=nYbnr5XVbzUC |url-status=live }}</ref> The city held this status until its transfer to Venetian control in 1423. In the 14th century, the city's population exceeded 100,000 to 150,000,<ref name="google2">{{cite book |title=The Balkans and the Near East: Introduction to a Shared History |author=Karl Kaser |date=2011 |publisher=Lit |isbn=9783643501905 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j3i8muwLf8AC |page=196 |access-date=7 December 2014 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024045/https://books.google.com/books?id=j3i8muwLf8AC |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Cambridge">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LOS1c0w91AcC&q=Thessaloniki+population+1300s&pg=PA811 |title=The New Cambridge Medieval History: c. 1300 – c. 1415 |author=Michael Jones |year=1995 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780521362900 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024056/https://books.google.com/books?id=LOS1c0w91AcC&q=Thessaloniki+population+1300s&pg=PA811#v=snippet&q=Thessaloniki%20population%201300s&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Balkans">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j3i8muwLf8AC&q=150%2C000&pg=PA196 |title=The Balkans and the Near East: Introduction to a Shared History |author=Karl Kaser |year=2011 |publisher=LIT Verlag Münster |access-date=5 August 2011 |isbn=9783643501905 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024020/https://books.google.com/books?id=j3i8muwLf8AC&q=150%2C000&pg=PA196#v=snippet&q=150%2C000&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> making it larger than [[London]] at the time.<ref name="Progress">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QkcQAgIFffUC&q=Population+of+London+1300&pg=PA96 |title=Progress and Problems in Medieval England: Essays in Honour of Edward Miller |author1=Richard Britnell |author2=John Hatcher |year=2002 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780521522731 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024042/https://books.google.com/books?id=QkcQAgIFffUC&q=Population+of+London+1300&pg=PA96#v=snippet&q=Population%20of%20London%201300&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the sixth and seventh centuries, the area around Thessaloniki was invaded by [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]] and Slavs, who unsuccessfully laid siege to the city several times, as narrated in the ''[[Miracles of Saint Demetrius]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Skedros |first=James C. |title=Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki : civic patron and divine protector, 4th–7th centuries CE |year=1999 |publisher=Trinity Press International |location=Harrisburg, Pa |isbn=978-1-56338-281-9 |page=105 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zWvYAAAAMAAJ |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315023953/https://books.google.com/books?id=zWvYAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> The written sources stipulate that many Slavs settled in the hinterland of Thessaloniki which became known as 'Macedonian Sclavinia'.<ref name="google61">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Z9ItAtbJ5AC&pg=PA61 |title=The early Slavs: culture and society in early medieval Eastern Europe |author=Paul M. Barford |access-date=18 February 2012 |page=61 |isbn=0801439779 |year=2001 |publisher=Cornell University Press}}"The written sources seem to indicate that in the 580s many Slav families had crossed into the Balkans, where they settled in large numbers on abandoned farmland in the interior. Many Slav tribes had settled in the region of Thessalonica, which became known as 'Macedonian Sclavinia';"</ref><ref>T E Gregory, ''A History of Byzantium''. Wiley- Blackwell, 2010. Pg 169. ''"It is now generally agreed that the people who lived in the Balkans after the Slavic "invasions" were probably for the most part the same as those who had lived there earlier, although the creation of new political groups and arrival of small immigrants caused people to look at themselves as distinct from their neighbors, including the Byzantines".''</ref> In the ninth century, the Byzantine missionaries [[Cyril and Methodius]], both natives of the city, created the first [[literary language]] of the Slavs, the [[Old Church Slavonic]], most likely based on the Slavic dialect used in the hinterland of their hometown.<ref>{{cite book |last=Curta |first=Florin |title=Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages : 500 – 1250 |year=2006 |publisher=Cambridge Univ. Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=978-0-521-81539-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/southeasterneuro0000curt/page/125 125] |url=https://archive.org/details/southeasterneuro0000curt |url-access=registration |quote=At the emperor's request, Constantine and his brother started the translation of religious texts into Old Church Slavonic, a literary language most likely based on the Macedonian dialect allegedly used in the hinterland of their hometown, Thessalonica}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250 |url=https://archive.org/details/southeasterneuro0000curt |url-access=registration |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2006 |author1=Florin Curta |author2=Paul Stephenson |name-list-style=amp |page=[https://archive.org/details/southeasterneuro0000curt/page/214 214]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Apostolos Euangelou Vakalopoulos |title=A History of Thessaloniki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nk9oAAAAMAAJ |year=1993 |publisher=Institute for Balkan Studies}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Charles Moser |title=The Cambridge History of Russian Literature |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6FQ7ALNZXdUC |year=1992 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-42567-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Dixon-Kennedy |first=Mike |title=Encyclopedia of Russian and Slavic myth and legend. |year=1999 |publisher=ABC-Clio |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1-57607-130-4 |page=56 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eD5AkdM83iIC&pg=PA56 |edition=2nd printing}}</ref>

A naval attack led by [[List of converts to Islam from Christianity|Byzantine converts to Islam]] (including [[Leo of Tripoli]]) in 904 resulted in the [[Sack of Thessalonica (904)|sack of the city]].<ref>{{cite book |last=V. A. Fine, Jr. |first=John |author-link=John V. A. Fine, Jr. |title=The early medieval Balkans : a critical survey from the sixth to the late twelfth century |year=2000 |publisher=Univ. of Michigan Press |location=Ann Arbor |isbn=978-0-472-08149-3 |page=140 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YbS9QmwDC58C&pg=PA140 |edition=1. paperback ed., 10.[Dr.]}}</ref>

[[File:ΑΧΕΙΡΟΠΟΙΗΤΟΣ 1.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Church of the Acheiropoietos]] (5th century) at the city's centre]]

The economic expansion of the city continued through the 12th century as the rule of the [[Komnenoi]] emperors expanded Byzantine control to the north. Thessaloniki passed out of Byzantine hands in 1204,<ref name="Byzantium and the Crusades">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PXizk1RZ88wC&q=Fourth+Crusade+Thessalonica+1204&pg=PA152 |title=Byzantium and the Crusades |author=Jonathan Harris |year=2006 |publisher=A&C Black |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9781852855017 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024026/https://books.google.com/books?id=PXizk1RZ88wC&q=Fourth+Crusade+Thessalonica+1204&pg=PA152#v=snippet&q=Fourth%20Crusade%20Thessalonica%201204&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> when Constantinople was [[siege of Constantinople (1204)|captured]] by the forces of the [[Fourth Crusade]] and incorporated the city and its surrounding territories in the [[Kingdom of Thessalonica]]<ref name="A History">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eDTaOZxvkqAC&q=kingdom+of+Thessalonica+vassal&pg=PA218 |title=The Crusades: A History |author=Jonathan Riley-Smith |year=2005 |publisher=A&C Black |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780826472694 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024541/https://books.google.com/books?id=eDTaOZxvkqAC&q=kingdom+of+Thessalonica+vassal&pg=PA218#v=onepage&q=kingdom%20of%20Thessalonica%20vassal&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> — which then became the largest [[vassal]] of the [[Latin Empire]]. In 1224, the Kingdom of Thessalonica was overrun by the [[Despotate of Epirus]], a remnant of the former Byzantine Empire, under [[Theodore Komnenos Doukas]] who crowned himself Emperor,<ref name="Coinage">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXJ3gSLOTtAC&q=Empire+of+Thessalonica&pg=PR69 |title=Catalogue of the Coins of the Vandals, Ostrogoths and Lombards: And of the Empires of Thessalonica, Nicaea and Trebizond in the British Museum |author=Warwick William Wroth |year=1911 |publisher=Adegi Graphics LLC |access-date=14 August 2011 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024510/https://books.google.com/books?id=EXJ3gSLOTtAC&q=Empire+of+Thessalonica&pg=PR69 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city became the capital of the short-lived [[Empire of Thessalonica]].<ref name="Coinage"/><ref name="Theodore">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j6y0E6YO-oEC&q=Thessaloniki+co-capital+Byzantine+Empire&pg=PA97 |title=Routledge Companion to Medieval Warfare |author=Jim Bradbury |year=2004 |publisher=Routledge |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780415221269 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024534/https://books.google.com/books?id=j6y0E6YO-oEC&q=Thessaloniki+co-capital+Byzantine+Empire&pg=PA97 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Late Byzantine">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rUs-hHd89xAC&q=Empire+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA23 |title=The late Byzantine army: arms and society, 1204–1453 |author=Mark C. Bartusis |year=1997 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=0812216202 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024512/https://books.google.com/books?id=rUs-hHd89xAC&q=Empire+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA23#v=snippet&q=Empire%20of%20Thessaloniki&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="History of Greece">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/historygreecefr00finlgoog |page=[https://archive.org/details/historygreecefr00finlgoog/page/n164 144] |quote=Empire of Thessalonica. |title=The History of Greece from Its Conquest by the Crusaders to Its Conquest by the Turks, and of the Empire of Trebizond, 1204–1461 |publisher=Blackwood |author=George Finlay |year=1851 |access-date=14 August 2011}}</ref> Following his defeat at [[Battle of Klokotnitsa|Klokotnitsa]] however in 1230,<ref name="Coinage"/><ref name="Late Byzantine2">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dh6jydKXikoC&q=Klokotnitsa&pg=PA535 |title=Dictionary of Battles and Sieges: F-O |author=Tony Jaques |year=2007 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780313335389 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024509/https://books.google.com/books?id=Dh6jydKXikoC&q=Klokotnitsa&pg=PA535 |url-status=live }}</ref> the Empire of Thessalonica became a vassal state of the [[Second Bulgarian Empire]] until it was recovered again in 1246, this time by the [[Nicaean Empire]].<ref name="Coinage"/>

In 1342,<ref name="Zealots 2">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvVbRrH1QBgC&q=Zealots+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA309 |title=The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest |first=John |last=V. A. Fine, Jr. |author-link=John V. A. Fine, Jr. |year=1994 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=0472082604 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024546/https://books.google.com/books?id=LvVbRrH1QBgC&q=Zealots+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA309#v=snippet&q=Zealots%20of%20Thessaloniki&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> the city saw the rise of the [[Zealots of Thessalonica|Commune of the Zealots]], an anti-aristocratic party formed of sailors and the poor,<ref name="Zealots">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXCl9P0vKS4C&q=Zealots+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA358 |title=A History of Byzantium |author=Timothy E. Gregory |year=2010 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9781405184717 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315024457/https://books.google.com/books?id=gXCl9P0vKS4C&q=Zealots+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA358#v=snippet&q=Zealots%20of%20Thessaloniki&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> which is nowadays described as social-revolutionary.<ref name="Zealots 2"/> The city was practically independent of the rest of the Empire,<ref name="Zealots 2"/><ref name="Zealots"/><ref name="Byzantine State and Society">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nYbnr5XVbzUC&q=Zealots+of+Thessalonica&pg=PA770 |title=A history of the Byzantine state and society |author=Warren T. Treadgold |year=1997 |publisher=Stanford University Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9780804726306}}</ref> as it had its own government, a form of republic.<ref name="Zealots 2"/> The zealot movement was overthrown in 1350 and the city was reunited with the rest of the Empire.<ref name="Zealots 2"/>

The [[Fall of Gallipoli|capture]] of [[Gelibolu|Gallipoli]] by the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] in 1354 kicked off a rapid Turkish expansion in the southern [[Balkans]], conducted both by the Ottomans themselves and by semi-independent Turkish [[ghazi (warrior)|ghazi]] warrior-bands. By 1369, the Ottomans were able to [[Ottoman conquest of Adrianople|conquer Adrianople]] (modern [[Edirne]]), which became their new capital until [[Fall of Constantinople|1453]].{{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=377–378, 406}} Thessalonica, ruled by [[Manuel II Palaiologos]] (r. 1391–1425) itself surrendered after a [[Siege of Thessalonica (1383–1387)|lengthy siege in 1383–1387]], along with most of eastern and central Macedonia, to the forces of Sultan [[Murad I]].{{sfn|Vacalopoulos|1973|pp=59–64}} Initially, the surrendered cities were allowed complete autonomy in exchange for payment of the ''[[kharaj]]'' [[poll-tax]]. Following the death of Emperor [[John V Palaiologos]] in 1391, however, Manuel II escaped Ottoman custody and went to Constantinople, where he was crowned emperor, succeeding his father. This angered Sultan [[Bayezid I]], who laid waste to the remaining Byzantine territories, and then turned on Chrysopolis, which was captured by storm and largely destroyed.{{sfn|Vacalopoulos|1973|pp=64–65}} Thessalonica too submitted again to Ottoman rule at this time, possibly after brief resistance, but was treated more leniently: although the city was brought under full Ottoman control, the Christian population and the Church retained most of their possessions, and the city retained its institutions.{{sfn|Vacalopoulos|1973|pp=65–67}}{{sfn|Necipoğlu|2009|pp=30, 84–99}}

[[File:Meister der Demetrius-Kirche in Saloniki 001.jpg|alt=|right|180px|thumb|A mosaic of [[Saint George]] in [[Hagios Demetrios|Saint Demetrios Church]]]]

Thessalonica remained in Ottoman hands until 1403, when Emperor Manuel II sided with Bayezid's eldest son [[Süleyman Çelebi|Süleyman]] in the [[Ottoman Interregnum|Ottoman succession struggle]] that broke out following the crushing defeat and capture of Bayezid at the [[Battle of Ankara]] against [[Tamerlane]] in 1402. In exchange for his support, in the [[Treaty of Gallipoli]] the Byzantine emperor secured the return of Thessalonica, part of its hinterland, the [[Chalcidice]] peninsula, and the coastal region between the rivers [[Strymon River|Strymon]] and [[Pineios (Thessaly)|Pineios]].{{sfn|Vacalopoulos|1973|pp=67, 75}}{{sfn|Bryer|1998|pp=777–778}} Thessalonica and the surrounding region were given as an autonomous [[appanage]] to [[John VII Palaiologos]]. After his death in 1408, he was succeeded by Manuel's third son, the [[Despot (court title)|Despot]] [[Andronikos Palaiologos (son of Manuel II)|Andronikos Palaiologos]], who was supervised by [[Demetrios Leontares]] until 1415.

Thessalonica enjoyed a period of relative peace and prosperity after 1403, as the Turks were preoccupied with [[Ottoman Interregnum|their own civil war]], but was attacked by the rival Ottoman pretenders in 1412 (by [[Musa Çelebi]]{{sfn|Magoulias|1975|p=108}}) and 1416 (during the uprising of [[Mustafa Çelebi]] against [[Mehmed I]]{{sfn|Magoulias|1975|pp=123–125}}).{{sfn|Vacalopoulos|1973|pp=76–77}}{{sfn|Necipoğlu|2009|pp=39, 44, 47}} Once the Ottoman civil war ended, the Turkish pressure on the city began to increase again. Just as during the 1383–1387 siege, this led to a sharp division of opinion within the city between factions supporting resistance, if necessary with Western help, or submission to the Ottomans.{{sfn|Necipoğlu|2009|pp=46–47}}

In 1423, Despot Andronikos Palaiologos ceded it to the [[Republic of Venice]] with the hope that it could be protected from the Ottomans who were [[Siege of Thessalonica (1422–1430)|besieging the city]]. The Venetians held Thessaloniki until it was captured by the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] Sultan [[Murad II]] on 29 March 1430.<ref>''The Roman Orthodox World (1393–1492)'', Anthony Bryer, "The Cambridge History of the Byzantine Empire c.500–1492", ed. Jonathan Shepard, (Cambridge University Press, 2008), 859.</ref>

===Ottoman period===
{{further|Ottoman Greece|Salonica Eyalet|Salonica Vilayet}}
{{See also|Committee of Union and Progress}}
[[File:THES-Bey Hamam hot chamber 1.jpg|alt=|thumb|Hot chamber of the men's baths in the [[Bey Hamam]] (1444)]]
When Sultan [[Murad II]] [[Siege of Thessalonica (1422–1430)|captured Thessaloniki]] and [[looting|sacked]] it in 1430,<ref name="history siege" /> contemporary reports estimated that about one-fifth of the city's population was enslaved.<ref>{{cite book |author=Nicol, Donald M. |title=Byzantium and Venice: A Study in Diplomatic and Cultural Relations |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1992 |page=371 |isbn=0-521-42894-7 |quote=The capture and sack of Thessalonica is vividly described by an eye-witness, John Anagnostes&nbsp;... He reckoned that 7000 citizens, perhaps one-fifth of the population, were carried off to slavery.}}</ref> [[Ottoman weapons#Firearms and artillery|Ottoman artillery]] was used to secure the city's capture and bypass its double walls.<ref name="history siege" /> Upon the conquest of Thessaloniki, some of its inhabitants escaped,<ref>{{cite book |author=Harris, Jonathan |title=Greek emigres in the West 1400–1520 |publisher=Porphyrogenitus |year=1995 |page=12 |isbn=1-871328-11-X |quote=Many of the inhabitants of Thessalonica fled to the Venetian colonies in the early 15th century, in the face of sporadic attacks which culminated in the city's capture by Murad II in the 1430s.}}</ref> including intellectuals such as [[Theodorus Gaza]] "Thessalonicensis" and [[Andronicus Callistus]].<ref>{{cite book |author1-link=Henry Milner (political scientist) |author=Milner, Henry |title=The Turkish Empire: The Sultans, the Territory, and the People |publisher=BiblioBazaar |year=2009 |page=87 |isbn=978-1-113-22399-9 |quote=Theodore Gaza, one of these exiles, escaped from Saloniki, his native city, upon its capture by Amurath.}}</ref> However, the change of sovereignty from the Byzantine Empire to the Ottoman one did not affect the city's prestige as a major imperial city and trading hub.<ref name="Economic History">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OtW2axOSn10C&q=Thessaloniki&pg=PA39 |title=Balkan economic history, 1550–1950: from imperial borderlands to developing nations |author1=John R. Lampe |author2=Marvin R. Jackson |year=1982 |publisher=Indiana University Press |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=0-253-30368-0}}</ref><ref name="Ottoman Encyclopedia">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QjzYdCxumFcC&q=Thessalonica+economy+Ottoman+Empire&pg=PA502 |title=Encyclopedia of the Ottoman Empire |author1=Gábor Ágoston |author2=Bruce Alan Masters |year=2009 |publisher=Infobase |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=978-1-4381-1025-7}}</ref> Thessaloniki and [[Smyrna]], although smaller in size than [[Constantinople]], were the Ottoman Empire's most important trading hubs.<ref name="Economic History" /> Thessaloniki's importance was mostly in the field of [[shipping]],<ref name="Economic History" /> but also in manufacturing,<ref name="Ottoman Encyclopedia" /> while most of the city's tradespeople were [[Jewish]].<ref name="Economic History" />

[[File:Saloniki population graph.png|300px|thumb|Demographics of Thessaloniki between 1500 and 1950<ref>After {{cite book |last=Darques |first=Regis |title=Salonique au XXe siècle: De la cité ottomane à la métropole grecque |publisher=CNRS Éditions |year=2002 |page=53}}</ref>]]

During the Ottoman period, the city's population of [[Ottoman Turks|Ottoman]] [[Muslims]] (including those of [[Turkish people|Turkish]] origin, as well as [[Albanian Muslims|Albanian Muslim]], [[Bulgarian Muslim]], especially the Pomaks and [[Greek Muslim]] of convert origin) and Muslim Roma like the [[Sepečides Romani]] grew substantially. According to the 1478 census Selânik ({{langx|ota|سلانیك}}), as the city came to be known in Ottoman Turkish, had 6,094 Christian Orthodox [[household]]s, 4,320 Muslim ones, and some Catholic. No Jews were recorded in the census suggesting that the subsequent influx of Jewish population was not linked<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Jews of the Ottoman Empire |last=Lowry |first=Heath W. |publisher=Darwin Press |year=1994 |isbn=0-87850-090-1 |page=207 |chapter=When Did the Sephardim Arrive in Salonica? The Testimony of the Ottoman Tax-Registers, 1478–1613}}</ref> to the already existing [[Romaniote Jews|Romaniote]] community.<ref>{{Cite book |title=A History of Thessaloniki |last=Vacalopoulos |first=Apostolos E. |publisher=Institute for Balkan Studies |year=1963 |pages=79}}</ref>

[[File:The oldest photograph of Thessaloniki.jpg|thumb|left|260px|The oldest surviving photograph of Thessaloniki (Selânik), taken in 1863 by Josef Székely from the area called Beş Çınar (Five Sycamores), a popular spot for panoramic vistas during the Ottoman era.]]

Soon after the turn of the 15th to 16th century, however, nearly 20,000 [[Sephardic Jews]] immigrated to Greece from the [[Iberian Peninsula]] following their expulsion from Spain by the 1492 [[Alhambra Decree]].<ref name="Sephardic jews">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G3KGsoxVU5EC&q=sephardic+jews+thessalonica&pg=PA5 |title=Judeo-Spanish and the Jewish Community of 21st Century Thessaloniki: Ethnic Language Shift in the Maintenance of Ethno Cultural Identity |author=Tina P. Christodouleas |year=2008 |access-date=18 June 2012 |isbn=978-1-109-01451-8}}{{dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> By c. 1500, the number of Christians had grown to 7,986, the Muslims to 8,575, and the Jews to 3,770. In 1519, according to Ottoman archives, the population of Thessaloniki numbered 1,374 Muslim households and 282 bachelors, for a total of 6,870, 1,078 Christian households and 355 bachelors, for a total of about 6,635, and 3,143 Hebrew households with 530 bachelors, for a total of 15,715, 54% of the city's population.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Queen of the Worthy: Thessaloniki, History and Culture |editor=I. K. Hassitis |publisher=Paratiritis |date=1997 |page=198 |isbn=9602609532}}</ref> Some historians consider the Ottoman regime's invitation to Jewish settlement was a strategy to prevent the Christian population from dominating the city.<ref>[[Rosamond McKitterick]], Christopher Allmand, ''The New Cambridge Medieval History'', p. 779</ref> The city became both the largest Jewish city in the world and the only Jewish majority city in the world in the 16th century. As a result, Thessaloniki attracted persecuted Jews from all over the world.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mikhail |first1=Alan |title=God's Shadow: Sultan Selim, His Ottoman Empire, and the Making of the Modern World |date=2020 |publisher=Liveright |isbn=978-1-63149-239-6}}</ref>

[[File:White Tower and Beach front.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[White Tower of Thessaloniki]], built by the Ottomans in 1430 and rebuilt in 1535,<ref name="history siege">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WaEaIsb1Y6gC&q=white%2520tower%2520thessaloniki%25201430%2520murat&pg=PA244 |title=A History of the Late Medieval Siege, 1200–1500 |last=Purton |first=Peter Fraser |date=2009 |publisher=Boydell & Brewer |isbn=978-1-84383-449-6 |language=en}}</ref> has become a symbol of the city.]]

Thessaloniki was the capital of the [[Sanjak of Selanik]] within the wider [[Rumeli Eyalet]] (Balkans)<ref name="Society">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=khnnAAAAMAAJ&q=Selanik&pg=PA392 |title=The Penny cyclopædia of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge |author=Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (Great Britain) |year=1843 |access-date=14 August 2011}}</ref> until 1826, and subsequently the capital of [[Selanik Eyalet]] (after 1867, the [[Selanik Vilayet]]).<ref name="Studies">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=082osLxyBDgC&q=Selanik&pg=PA201 |title=Studies on Ottoman Social and Political History: Selected Articles and Essays |author=Kemal H. Karpat |year=2002 |publisher=BRILL |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=9004121013}}</ref><ref name="History and progress">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gLFJAAAAMAAJ&q=Selanik+Eyaleti&pg=PA292 |title=Turkey: Its History and Progress: From the Journals and Correspondence of Sir James Porter Continued to the Present Time, with a Memoir of Sir James Porter, Volume 2 |author=James Porter, George Gerard de Hochepied Larpent |year=1854 |access-date=14 August 2011}}</ref> This consisted of the sanjaks of Selanik, [[Sanjak of Serres|Serres]] and [[Sanjak of Drama|Drama]] between 1826 and 1912.<ref name="La Turquie">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pvgPAAAAQAAJ&q=Selanik+Eyaleti&pg=PA177 |title=La Turquie à l'exposition universelle de 1867 |trans-title=Turkey at the Universal Exposition of 1867 |author=Salaheddin Bey |year=1867 |access-date=14 August 2011}}</ref>

With the break out of the [[Greek War of Independence]] in the spring of 1821, the governor Yusuf Bey imprisoned in his headquarters more than 400 hostages. On 18 May, when Yusuf learned of the insurrection to the villages of [[Chalkidiki]], he ordered half of his hostages to be slaughtered before his eyes. The mulla of Thessaloniki, Hayrıülah, gives the following description of Yusuf's retaliations: "Every day and every night you hear nothing in the streets of Thessaloniki but shouting and moaning. It seems that Yusuf Bey, the Yeniceri Agasi, the Subaşı, the hocas and the ulemas have all gone raving mad."<ref>Vacalopoulos, ''History of Macedonia'', pp.&nbsp;595–596</ref> It would take until the end of the century for the city's Greek community to recover.<ref>{{harvnb|Mazower|2004|pp=132–139}}</ref>

Thessaloniki was also a [[Janissary]] stronghold where novice Janissaries were trained. In June 1826, regular Ottoman soldiers attacked and destroyed the Janissary base in Thessaloniki while also killing over 10,000 Janissaries, an event known as [[The Auspicious Incident]] in Ottoman history.<ref name="Janissary">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jBBYD2J2oE4C&q=The+Auspicious+Incident&pg=PA149 |title=Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia |author=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |publisher=Abc-Clio |access-date=14 August 2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-337-8 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025146/https://books.google.com/books?id=jBBYD2J2oE4C&q=The+Auspicious+Incident&pg=PA149 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1870–1917, driven by economic growth, the city's population expanded by 70%, reaching 135,000 in 1917.<ref name=Gerolympos />

The last few decades of Ottoman control over the city were an era of revival, particularly in terms of the city's infrastructure. It was at that time that the Ottoman administration of the city acquired an "official" face with the creation of the [[Government House (Thessaloniki)|Government House]]<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Kanaki">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-231-1 |volume=A |page=91}}</ref> while a number of new public buildings were built in the [[Eclecticism|eclectic style]] in order to project the European face both of Thessaloniki and the Ottoman Empire.<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Kanaki" /><ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Eklektismos">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-231-1 |volume=A |page=95}}</ref> The city walls were torn down between 1869 and 1889,<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Toixi">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-231-1 |volume=A |pages=82–83}}</ref> efforts for a planned expansion of the city are evident as early as 1879,<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Sidirodromos" /> the first tram service started in 1888<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Tram">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-231-1 |volume=A |page=86}}</ref> and the city streets were illuminated with electric lamp posts in 1908.<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Ilektrismos">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-231-1 |volume=A |page=87}}</ref> In 1888, the [[Chemins de fer Orientaux|Oriental Railway]] connected Thessaloniki to Central Europe via rail through [[Belgrade]] and to [[Bitola|Monastir]] in 1893, while the [[Thessaloniki–Alexandroupoli railway|Thessaloniki–Istanbul Junction Railway]] connected it to [[Istanbul|Constantinople]] in 1896.<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Sidirodromos">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-231-1 |volume=A |page=85}}</ref>

[[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]], founder of the modern republic of [[Turkey]], was born in Thessaloniki (then known as Selânik in [[Ottoman Turkish]]) in 1881. His birthplace on İslahhane Caddesi (now 17 Apostolou Street) is now the [[Atatürk Museum (Thessaloniki)|Atatürk Museum]] and forms part of the Turkish consulate complex.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.makthes.gr/news/opinions/615/ |title=Ο βίος και η πολιτεία του Μουσταφά Κεμάλ στη Θεσσαλονίκη |date=18 April 2007 |publisher=www.makthes.gr |access-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217203046/http://www.makthes.gr/news/opinions/615/ |archive-date=17 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===20th century and beyond===
{{see also|Balkan Wars|Macedonian front|Provisional Government of National Defence|Axis occupation of Greece|History of the Jews in Thessaloniki#Destruction of the Jews of Salonika}}
{{wide image|Salonique-Vue générale 1917.jpg|600px|align-cap=center|Painting of the seafront of Thessaloniki in 1917}}

In the early 20th century, Thessaloniki was in the centre of radical activities by various groups; the [[Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization]], founded in 1897,<ref name="IMRO">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rp0l0lWCbb0C |title=Nontraditional Warfare |author=William R. Schilling |year=2002 |publisher=Potomac Books |access-date=27 June 2012 |isbn=9781612344416 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025146/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rp0l0lWCbb0C |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Greek [[Struggle for Macedonia#Causes|Macedonian Committee]], founded in 1903.<ref name="Macedonian Committee">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/greekstruggleinm0000daki |url-access=registration |title=The Greek struggle in Macedonia, 1897–1913 |publisher=Museum of the Macedonian Struggle |first=Douglas |last=Dakin |author-link=Douglas Dakin |year=1966 |access-date=27 June 2012 |isbn=9789607387004}}</ref> In 1903, a [[Anarchism in Bulgaria|Bulgarian anarchist]] group known as the [[Boatmen of Thessaloniki]] planted bombs in several buildings in Thessaloniki, including the [[Ottoman Bank]], with some assistance from the IMRO. The Greek consulate in Ottoman Thessaloniki (now the [[Museum for the Macedonian Struggle (Thessaloniki)|Museum of the Macedonian Struggle]]) served as the centre of operations for the Greek guerillas.

During this period, and since the 16th century, Thessaloniki's Jewish element was the most dominant; it was the only city in Europe where the Jews were a majority of the total population.<ref name="executive summary">{{Cite web |url=http://www.holocausteducenter.gr/executive-summary/ |title=EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |website=www.holocausteducenter.gr |language=en |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-date=24 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624055040/http://www.holocausteducenter.gr/executive-summary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The city was ethnically diverse and [[cosmopolitanism|cosmopolitan]]. In 1890, its population had risen to 118,000, 47% of which were Jews, followed by Turks (22%), Greeks (14%), Bulgarians (8%), Roma (2%), and others (7%).<ref name=20thcen>{{cite book |author=Συλλογικο εργο |title="Ιστορια του Ελληνικου Εθνους", History of Greek Nation Том ΙΔ |publisher=ΕΚΔΟΤΙΚΗ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ |location=ATHENS |year=1973 |page=g. 340 |language=el, en}}</ref> By 1913, the ethnic composition of the city had changed so that the population stood at 157,889, with Jews at 39%, followed again by Turks (29%), Greeks (25%), Bulgarians (4%), Roma (2%), and others at 1%.<ref name=19thcen>{{cite book |author=Васил Кънчов |title="Избрани произведения", Том II, "Македония. Етнография и статистика" |url=http://www.promacedonia.org/vk/vk_2_01.htm |publisher=Издателство "Наука и изкуство" |location=София |year=1970 |page=g. 440 |language=bg |access-date=19 October 2007 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182931/http://www.promacedonia.org/vk/vk_2_01.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Many varied religions were practiced and many languages spoken, including [[Judaeo-Spanish|Judeo-Spanish]], a dialect of Spanish spoken by the city's Jews.

[[File:Internationale geschiedenis, Eerste Balkanoorlog, SFA022816365.jpg|thumb|right|[[Constantine I of Greece]] with [[George I of Greece]] and the Greek army enter the city]]

Thessaloniki was also the centre of activities of the [[Young Turks]], a political reform movement, whose goal was to replace the Ottoman Empire's absolute monarchy with a constitutional government. The Young Turks started out as an underground movement, until finally in 1908, they started the [[Young Turk Revolution]] from the city of Thessaloniki, which lead to of them gaining control over the Ottoman Empire and put an end to the Ottoman sultans power.<ref name="Young Turk">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZHRxKz0xQJIC |title=Italo-Turkish Diplomacy and the War Over Libya, 1911–1912 |author=Timothy Winston Childs |year=1990 |publisher=BRILL |access-date=27 June 2012 |isbn=9004090258 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025136/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZHRxKz0xQJIC |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Eleftherias Square|Eleftherias (Liberty) Square]], where the Young Turks gathered at the outbreak of the revolution, is named after the event.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thessaloniki.gr/locations/%CF%80%CE%BB%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%B8%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82/ |title=Πλατεία Ελευθερίας |website=www.thessaloniki.gr |publisher=Municipality of Thessaloniki |trans-title=Eleftherias Square |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809094845/https://thessaloniki.gr/locations/%CF%80%CE%BB%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%B8%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Turkey's first president [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]], who was born and raised in Thessaloniki, was a member of the Young Turks in his soldier days and also partook in the Young Turk Revolution.

[[File:Francuska vojksa vo Solun.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Allies of World War I|Allied]] armies in Thessaloniki, World War I]]
[[File:A Salonique, le défilé du premier bataillon grec volontaire.jpg|thumb|200px|The 1st Battalion of the [[Army of National Defence]] marches on its way to the [[Macedonian front]].]]

====Balkan Wars and the end of Ottoman rule====
As the [[First Balkan War]] broke out, Greece declared war on the Ottoman Empire and expanded its borders. When [[Eleftherios Venizelos]], [[Prime Minister of Greece|Prime Minister]] at the time, was asked if the Greek army should move towards Thessaloniki or Monastir (now [[Bitola]], [[Republic of North Macedonia]]), Venizelos replied "{{Lang|el|Θεσσαλονίκη με κάθε κόστος!}}" (''Thessaloniki, at all costs!'').<ref name="Chester">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/lifeofvenizelosw00chesuoft |title=Life of Venizelos |author=S. B. Chester |year=1921 |access-date=7 December 2011 |page=[https://archive.org/details/lifeofvenizelosw00chesuoft/page/159 159]}}</ref> With the outnumbered Ottoman Army fighting a rearguard action against well-prepared Greek forces at [[Battle of Yenidje|Yenidje]], Bulgarian troops advancing close by, and the Ottoman naval base at Thessaloniki blockaded by the Greek Navy, General [[Hasan Tahsin Pasha]] soon realised that it had become untenable to defend the city. The sinking of the Ottoman ironclad ''[[Feth-i Bülend]]'' in Thessaloniki harbour on 31 October [O.S. 18 October] 1912, although militarily negligible, further damaged Ottoman morale.

As both Greece and [[Kingdom of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]] wanted Thessaloniki, the Ottoman garrison of the city entered negotiations with both armies.<ref name="Prelude">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZSllgZ-1D4YC&q=thessaloniki&pg=PA150 |title=The Balkan Wars, 1912–1913: prelude to the First World War |author=Richard C. Hall |year=2000 |publisher=Routledge |access-date=7 December 2011 |isbn=9780415229463 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025159/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZSllgZ-1D4YC&q=thessaloniki&pg=PA150 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ultimately it was decided to hand over the city to the Greeks, in part because there was a perception on the Ottoman side that the Greek troops would be more lenient towards its residents. Negotiations between the Greek and Turkish delegations were concluded at the village of [[Gefyra, Thessaloniki|Topçin]] on the outskirts of the city. On 8 November 1912 (26 October [[Adoption of the Gregorian calendar|Old Style]]), the feast day of the city's patron saint, [[Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki|Saint Demetrius]], the Greek Army accepted the peaceful and unconditional surrender of the 25,000-strong Ottoman garrison at Thessaloniki, bringing almost five centuries of Ottoman rule to an end.<ref name="26 October">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ObCX9iXMp5kC&q=Balkan+Wars+thessaloniki+26+October&pg=PA131 |title=St Demetrius of Thessalonica – Cult and Devotion in the Middle Ages |author=Eugenia Russell |year=2010 |publisher=Peter Lang |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9783034301817 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025205/https://books.google.com/books?id=ObCX9iXMp5kC&q=Balkan+Wars+thessaloniki+26+October&pg=PA131#v=snippet&q=Balkan%20Wars%20thessaloniki%2026%20October&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The Bulgarian army arrived one day after the surrender of the city to Greece and Hasan Tahsin Pasha, commander of the city's defences, told the Bulgarian officials that "I have only one Thessaloniki, which I have surrendered".<ref name="Prelude"/>

After the [[Second Balkan War]], Thessaloniki and the rest of the Greek portion of Macedonia were officially annexed to Greece by the [[Treaty of Bucharest (1913)|Treaty of Bucharest]] in 1913.<ref name="Traty of Bucharest">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iuo8AAAAIAAJ&q=treaty+of+bucharest+1913&pg=PA103 |title=A Short History of Modern Greece |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1979 |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9781001303413 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025123/https://books.google.com/books?id=iuo8AAAAIAAJ&q=treaty+of+bucharest+1913&pg=PA103#v=snippet&q=treaty%20of%20bucharest%201913&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 March 1913 [[George I of Greece]] was assassinated in the city by [[Alexandros Schinas]].<ref name="Assassination">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4zxQ5dr61X8C |title=The Riverside Dictionary of Biography |author=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |year=2004 |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |access-date=27 June 2012 |isbn=0618493379}}</ref>

====World War I, the Great Fire, and population exchange====
In 1915, during [[World War I]], a large [[Allies of World War I|Allied]] [[Expeditionary warfare|expeditionary force]] established a base at Thessaloniki for operations<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mourelos |first=Ioannis |date=2015 |title=The Salonica theatre of operations and its part in the outcome of the First World War |url=https://ojs.aims.edu.au/index.php/msj/article/view/2 |journal=Macedonian Studies Journal |language=en |volume=2 |issue=1 |issn=2204-3128 |access-date=25 October 2022 |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025001738/https://ojs.aims.edu.au/index.php/msj/article/view/2 |url-status=live }}</ref> against pro-German Bulgaria.<ref name="Entente in Thessaloniki">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3CqXTIyo3skC&q=Macedonian+Front+WWI&pg=PA11 |title=The Italian Army of World War I |last1=David Nicolle |last2=Raffaele Ruggeri |year=2003 |publisher=Bloomsbury USA |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=9781841763989}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> This culminated in the establishment of the [[Macedonian front (World War I)|Macedonian Front]], also known as the Salonika front,<ref name="Salonika front">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2YqjfHLyyj8C&q=Salonika+Front&pg=PA1044 |title=World War I: encyclopedia, Volume 1 |author1=Spencer Tucker |author2=Priscilla Mary Roberts |year=2005 |publisher=Abc-Clio |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=9781851094202 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025201/https://books.google.com/books?id=2YqjfHLyyj8C&q=Salonika+Front&pg=PA1044 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>100&nbsp;+&nbsp;1 Years of Greece, Volume I, Maniateas Publishings, Athens, 1995. pp. 148–149</ref> and a temporary hospital run by the [[Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service]] being set up in a disused factory. In 1916, pro-[[Venizelism|Venizelist]] Greek army officers and civilians, with the support of the Allies, launched an uprising,<ref name="Mavrogordatos">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MbSifRqxM1EC&q=Movement+of+National+Defence+greece&pg=PA284 |title=Stillborn republic: social coalitions and party strategies in Greece, 1922–1936 |author=George Th Mavrogordatos |year=1983 |publisher=University of California Press |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=9780520043589 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025736/https://books.google.com/books?id=MbSifRqxM1EC&q=Movement+of+National+Defence+greece&pg=PA284#v=snippet&q=Movement%20of%20National%20Defence%20greece&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> creating a pro-Allied<ref name="Minorities">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAWKstorJAEC&q=Salonica&pg=PA51 |title=The Balkan exchange of minorities and its impact on Greece |author=Dimitri Pentzopoulos |year=2002 |publisher=Hurst |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9781850656746 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025753/https://books.google.com/books?id=lAWKstorJAEC&q=Salonica&pg=PA51 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Provisional government|temporary government]] by the name of the "[[Provisional Government of National Defence]]"<ref name="Mavrogordatos"/><ref name="Venizelos">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KQEH4vvG0KwC&q=State+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA367 |title=Eleftherios Venizelos: The Trials of Statesmanship |author=Paschalis M. Kitromilides |year=2008 |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=9780748633647 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025735/https://books.google.com/books?id=KQEH4vvG0KwC&q=State+of+Thessaloniki&pg=PA367 |url-status=live }}</ref> that controlled the "New Lands" (lands that were gained by Greece in the [[Balkan Wars]], most of Northern Greece including Greek Macedonia, the [[North Aegean]] as well as the island of [[Crete]]);<ref name="Mavrogordatos"/><ref name="Venizelos"/> the official government of the King in [[Athens]], called in historiography as the "State of Athens",<ref name="Mavrogordatos"/> controlled "[[Old Greece]]"<ref name="Mavrogordatos"/><ref name="Venizelos"/> which was traditionally monarchist. The State of Thessaloniki was disestablished with the unification of the two opposing Greek governments under Venizelos, following the [[abdicate|abdication]] of [[Constantine I of Greece|King Constantine]] in 1917.<ref name="Entente in Thessaloniki"/><ref name="Venizelos"/>

On 30 December 1915 an [[Austria-Hungarian Empire|Austrian]] [[wikt:air raid|air raid]] on Thessaloniki alarmed many town civilians and killed at least one person, and in response the Allied troops based there arrested the German, Austrian, Bulgarian and Turkish [[vice-consul]]s and their families and dependents and put them on a battleship, and billeted troops in their consulate buildings in Thessaloniki.<ref>''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' Saturday 1 January 1916, reprinted on page 28 ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' Friday 1 January 1916</ref>

[[File:Thessaloniki-Aerialfire1.png|thumb|Aerial photograph of the [[Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917|Great Fire of 1917]]]]

Most of the old centre of the city was destroyed by the [[Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917]], which was started accidentally by an unattended kitchen fire on 18 August 1917.<ref name="Redesign">{{cite book |title=The Redesign of Thessaloniki after the Fire of 1917 |last=Yerolympos |first=Alexandra Karadimou |year=1995 |publisher=University Studio Press |location=Thessaloniki}}</ref> The fire swept through the centre of the city, leaving 72,000 people homeless; according to the Pallis Report, most of them were Jewish (50,000). Many businesses were destroyed, as a result, 70% of the population were unemployed.<ref name="Redesign"/> Two churches and many synagogues and mosques were lost. More than one quarter of the total population of approximately 271,157 became homeless.<ref name="Redesign"/> Following the fire the government prohibited quick rebuilding, so it could implement the new redesign of the city according to the European-style urban plan<ref name="Neoclassical"/> prepared by a group of architects, including the Briton [[Thomas Mawson]], and headed by French architect [[Ernest Hébrard]].<ref name="Redesign"/> Property values fell from 6.5&nbsp;million [[Modern drachma|Greek drachma]]s to 750,000.<ref name="History">{{cite web |url=http://www.jmth.gr/web/thejews/pages/pages/history/pages/his.htm |author=Yakov Benmayor |title=History of Jews in Thessaloniki |publisher=Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki |access-date=5 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226001725/http://www.jmth.gr/web/thejews/pages/pages/history/pages/his.htm |archive-date=26 December 2008}}</ref>

After the defeat of Greece in the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)|Greco-Turkish War]] and during the break-up of the Ottoman Empire, a [[Population exchange between Greece and Turkey|population exchange]] took place between Greece and Turkey.<ref name="Minorities"/> Over 160,000 ethnic [[Greek refugees|Greeks deported]] from the former [[Ottoman Empire]] – particularly Greeks from [[Asia Minor]]<ref>[[Ionia]], [[Kappadokia]], Pontus and [[Eastern Anatolia]]</ref> and [[East Thrace]] were resettled in the city,<ref name="Minorities"/> changing its demographics. Additionally many of the city's Muslims, including Ottoman [[Greek Muslims]], were deported to Turkey, ranging at about 20,000 people.<ref name="Exchange">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RRwZmWUmkPsC&q=exchange+of+populations+Thessaloniki&pg=PA198 |title=Population Exchange in Greek Macedonia: The Rural Settlement of Refugees 1922–1930 |author=Elisabeth Kontogiorgi |year=2006 |publisher=Clarendon Press |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9780199278961 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025739/https://books.google.com/books?id=RRwZmWUmkPsC&q=exchange+of+populations+Thessaloniki&pg=PA198 |url-status=live }}</ref> This made the Greek element dominant,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xHOUBAAAQBAJ&q=thessaloniki%2520greek%2520refugees&pg=PA91 |title=Walking in the European City: Quotidian Mobility and Urban Ethnography |last1=Brown |first1=Evrick |last2=Shortell |first2=Timothy |date=28 May 2014 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. |isbn=9781472416162 |language=en |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025700/https://books.google.com/books?id=xHOUBAAAQBAJ&q=thessaloniki%2520greek%2520refugees&pg=PA91#v=onepage&q=thessaloniki%2520greek%2520refugees&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> while the Jewish population was reduced to a minority for the first time since the 16th century.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://users.uoa.gr/~ahatzis/(Stanford%20Studies%20in%20Jewish%20History%20and%20Culture)%20Devin%20Naar-Jewish%20Salonica_%20Between%20the%20Ottoman%20Empire%20and%20Modern%20Greece-Stanford%20University%20Press%20(2016).pdf |title=Jewish Salonica: Between the Ottoman Empire and Modern Greece |last=Naar |first=Devin E. |date=7 September 2016 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=9781503600096 |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

This was part of an overall process of modern Hellenization, which affected nearly all minorities within Greece, turning the region into a hotspot of ethnic nationalism.<ref>'Barcelona, Naples and Salonika: Ethnic and Civic Nationalism in Three Mediterranean Port Cities (1888-1915'), Histories, 3 (3), 2023: 288-307. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.3390/histories3030020</ref>

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-168-0894-21A, Griechenland, Saloniki, Erfassung von Juden.jpg|thumb|upright=1.08|Registration of the male [[History of the Jews in Thessaloniki|Jews of Thessaloniki]] in July 1942, [[Eleftherias Square]]. 96% of deported Jews perished in [[Nazi concentration camps]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EWIwDwAAQBAJ&q=deportation%2520jews%2520thessaloniki%2520auschwitz&pg=PA391 |title=Holocaust: The Nazi Persecution and Murder of the Jews |last=Longerich |first=Peter |date=15 April 2010 |publisher=OUP Oxford |isbn=9780191539466 |language=en |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025733/https://books.google.com/books?id=EWIwDwAAQBAJ&q=deportation%2520jews%2520thessaloniki%2520auschwitz&pg=PA391#v=snippet&q=deportation%2520jews%2520thessaloniki%2520auschwitz&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

====World War II====
[[File:Thessaloniki under the German occupation.png|upright|thumb|Part of Eleftherias Square and [[Stein mansion]] during the [[Axis occupation of Greece|Axis occupation]]]]

During [[World War II]] Thessaloniki was heavily bombarded by [[Kingdom of Italy#Fascist regime (1922–1943)|Fascist Italy]] (with 232 people dead, 871 wounded and over 800 buildings damaged or destroyed in November 1940 alone),<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Italia">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |pages=723–724}}</ref> and, the Italians having failed in [[Greco-Italian War|their invasion of Greece]], it fell to the forces of [[Nazi Germany]] on 8 April 1941<ref name="Chronology">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wCkXWI5p5XcC&q=Salonika&pg=PA402 |title=Chronology and index of the Second World War, 1938–1945 |author=Royal Institute of International Affairs |year=1975 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9780887365683 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315025714/https://books.google.com/books?id=wCkXWI5p5XcC&q=Salonika&pg=PA402 |url-status=live }}</ref> and went under German occupation. The Nazis soon forced the Jewish residents into a ghetto near the railroads and on 15 March 1943 began the deportation of the city's Jews to [[Auschwitz concentration camp|Auschwitz]] and [[Bergen-Belsen concentration camp]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YAszKv6JfQUC&q=thessaloniki%2520population%2520exchange%2520greek%2520majority&pg=PA247 |title=After the War was Over: Reconstructing the Family, Nation, and State in Greece, 1943–1960 |last=Mazower |first=Mark |date=2000 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=0691058423 |language=en |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315030800/https://books.google.com/books?id=YAszKv6JfQUC&q=thessaloniki%2520population%2520exchange%2520greek%2520majority&pg=PA247#v=onepage&q=thessaloniki%2520population%2520exchange%2520greek%2520majority&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Holocaust">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pYs5OSnsrHwC&q=Salonica&pg=PA152 |title=The Routledge atlas of the Holocaust |author=Martin Gilbert |year=1982 |publisher=Psychology Press |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9780415281454 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315030756/https://books.google.com/books?id=pYs5OSnsrHwC&q=Salonica&pg=PA152#v=snippet&q=Salonica&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Exodus">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/expulsionofjews00stro |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/expulsionofjews00stro/page/102 102] |quote=jews of thessaloniki. |title=The Expulsion of the Jews: Five Hundred Years of Exodus |publisher=SP Books |author=Yale Strom |year=1992 |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9781561710812}}</ref> Most were immediately murdered in the [[gas chambers]]. Of the 45,000 Jews deported to Auschwitz, only 4% survived.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salonika |url=https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/salonika |publisher=[[United States Holocaust Memorial Museum]] |access-date=16 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917071405/https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/salonika |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Christides |first1=Giorgos |title=Thessaloniki Strives to Revive Its Jewish Past, but Encounters a New Form of anti-Semitism |url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-jerusalem-of-the-balkans-strives-to-revive-jewish-past-1.5328833 |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=Haaretz |date=16 November 2014 |language=en |archive-date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917071420/https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-jerusalem-of-the-balkans-strives-to-revive-jewish-past-1.5328833 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Indian troops sweep for mines in Salonika 1944.jpg|thumb|Indian troops sweep for mines in Salonika, 1944]]

Speaking in the [[Reichstag (Nazi Germany)|Reichstag]], Hitler claimed that the intention of his Balkan campaign was to prevent the Allies from establishing "a new Macedonian front", as they had during WWI. The importance of Thessaloniki to [[Nazi Germany]] can be demonstrated by the fact that, initially, [[Hitler]] had planned to incorporate it directly into [[Nazi Germany]]<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Trito Raich">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |page=753}}</ref> and not have it controlled by a puppet state such as the [[Hellenic State (1941–1944)|Hellenic State]] or an ally of Germany (Thessaloniki had been promised to [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] as a reward for joining the [[Axis powers|Axis]] on 25 March 1941).<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Yugoslavia">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |page=738}}</ref>

As it was the first major city in Greece to fall to the occupying forces, the first [[Greek resistance]] group was formed in Thessaloniki (under the name {{Lang|el|Ελευθερία}}, {{Lang|el-Latn|Elefthería}}, "Freedom")<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Eleftheria">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |page=763}}</ref> as well as the first anti-Nazi newspaper in an occupied territory anywhere in Europe,<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Eleftheria 2">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |pages=765–766}}</ref> also by the name ''Eleftheria''. Thessaloniki was also home to a military camp-converted-concentration camp, known in German as "Konzentrationslager Pavlo Mela" ([[Pavlos Melas]] Concentration Camp),<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Pavlos Melas">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |pages=766–768}}</ref> where members of the resistance and other anti-fascists<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Pavlos Melas"/> were held either to be killed or sent to other concentration camps.<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Pavlos Melas"/> In September 1943, the Germans established the Dulag 410 transit camp for [[Italian Military Internees]] in the city.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Megargee |first1=Geoffrey P. |last2=Overmans |first2=Rüdiger |last3=Vogt |first3=Wolfgang |year=2022 |title=The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos 1933–1945. Volume IV |publisher=Indiana University Press, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum |page=122 |isbn=978-0-253-06089-1}}</ref> On 30 October 1944, after battles with the retreating German army and the Security Battalions of [[Georgios Poulos|Poulos]], forces of [[Greek People's Liberation Army|ELAS]] entered Thessaloniki as liberators headed by [[Markos Vafiadis]] (who did not obey orders from ELAS leadership in Athens to not enter the city). Pro-EAM celebrations and demonstrations followed in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.tvxs.gr/mo/i/162949/f/news/egrapsan-eipan/i-parapetameni-apeleytherosi-tis-thessalonikis.html |title=Απελευθέρωση της Θεσσαλονίκης |date=28 October 2014 |access-date=6 November 2019 |archive-date=6 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106172729/https://m.tvxs.gr/mo/i/162949/f/news/egrapsan-eipan/i-parapetameni-apeleytherosi-tis-thessalonikis.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Crossroads">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv1t3D_3vjkC&q=30+October+1944+Salonica&pg=PA288 |title=Greece at the Crossroads: The Civil War and Its Legacy |editor-first=John O. |editor-last=Iatrídês |editor-first2=Linda |editor-last2=Wrigley |year=1995 |publisher=Penn State Press |access-date=10 August 2011 |isbn=9780271043302 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031045/https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv1t3D_3vjkC&q=30+October+1944+Salonica&pg=PA288#v=snippet&q=30%20October%201944%20Salonica&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[Greek plebiscite, 1946|1946 monarchy referendum]], the majority of the locals voted in favor of a republic, contrary to the rest of Greece.<ref name="Thessaloniki En Thermo Referendum">{{cite book |last=Panagiotopoulos |first=Apostolos |title=Θεσσαλονίκη&nbsp;... εν Θερμώ – Ο συγκλονιστικός 20ός αιώνας της πόλης |trans-title=Thessaloniki&nbsp;... on Fire – The City's Sensational 20th Century |publisher=Maliaris Paideia |year=2009 |isbn=978-960-457-239-7 |volume=B |pages=942–943}}</ref>

====Post-war: contemporary Thessaloniki====
After the war, Thessaloniki was rebuilt with large-scale development of new infrastructure and industry throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Many of its architectural treasures still remain, adding value to the city as a tourist destination, while several early Christian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki were added to the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site|World Heritage list]] in 1988.<ref name="UNESCO">{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/456 |title=Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika |publisher=whc.unesco.org |access-date=16 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105213805/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/456/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1997, Thessaloniki was celebrated as the [[European Capital of Culture]],<ref name="Capital of Culture">{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/doc2485_en.htm |title=Past European Capitals of Culture |publisher=ec.europa.eu |access-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019061617/http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/doc2485_en.htm |archive-date=19 October 2011 }}</ref> sponsoring events across the city and the region. Agency established to oversee the cultural activities of that year 1997 was still in existence by 2010.<ref name="isbn0-85728-771-0">{{cite book |author=Jason Manolopoulos |title=Greece's 'Odious' Debt: The Looting of the Hellenic Republic by the Euro, the Political Elite and the Investment Community (Anthem Finance) |url=https://archive.org/details/greecesodiousdeb00mano |url-access=limited |publisher=Anthem Press |year=2011 |page=[https://archive.org/details/greecesodiousdeb00mano/page/n304 288] |isbn=978-0-85728-771-7}}</ref> In 2004, the city hosted a number of the [[association football|football]] events as part of the [[2004 Summer Olympics]].<ref name="Athens 2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reports/FR/fr_report_900.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reports/FR/fr_report_900.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=Athens 2004 Olympic Games Tickets |publisher=www.olympic.org |access-date=16 August 2011}}</ref>

Today, Thessaloniki has become one of the most important trade and business hubs in [[Southeastern Europe]], with its port, the [[Port of Thessaloniki]] being one of the largest in the Aegean and facilitating trade throughout the Balkan hinterland.<ref name="Development"/> On 26 October 2012 the city celebrated its centennial since its incorporation into Greece.<ref name="100 years">{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/PolitistikesYpiresies/DnsiPolitismou/Thessaloniki-2012 |title=Το 2012 συμπληρώνονται 100 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΗΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ! |trans-title=2012 marks 100 YEARS OF FREE THESSALONIKI! |publisher=www.thessaloniki.gr |access-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113201219/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/PolitistikesYpiresies/DnsiPolitismou/Thessaloniki-2012 |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref> The city also forms one of the largest student centers in Southeastern Europe, is host to the largest student population in Greece and was the [[European Youth Capital]] in 2014.<ref name="Thessaloniki EYC">{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/YpiresiesEkpaideusisNeolaiasAthlitismou/DnsiNeolaiasAthlitismou/Neol/Anakoinoseis/youth2014 |title=Η Θεσσαλονίκη Ευρωπαϊκή Πρωτεύουσα Νεολαίας 2014 |trans-title=Thessaloniki the European Youth Capital 2014 |publisher=Municipality of Thessaloniki |access-date=23 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113201234/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/YpiresiesEkpaideusisNeolaiasAthlitismou/DnsiNeolaiasAthlitismou/Neol/Anakoinoseis/youth2014 |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Thessaloniki 2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki2014.eu/info.html |title=Thessaloniki Candidate City European Youth Capital 2014 |publisher=www.thessaloniki2014.eu |access-date=20 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409170710/http://www.thessaloniki2014.eu/info.html |archive-date=9 April 2011 }}</ref> Infrastructure improvements came in the 2020s with the upgrade and expansion of [[Thessaloniki Airport]] in 2021 and the opening of [[Thessaloniki Metro]] in 2024.

==Geography==
Thessaloniki is located 502 kilometres (312&nbsp;mi) north of [[Athens]].

Thessaloniki's urban area spreads over 30 kilometres (19&nbsp;mi) from [[Oraiokastro]] in the north to [[Thermi]] in the south in the direction of [[Chalkidiki]].

===Geology===

Thessaloniki lies on the northern fringe of the [[Thermaic Gulf]] on its eastern coast and is bound by [[Mount Chortiatis]] on its southeast. Its proximity to imposing [[mountain]] ranges, hills and fault lines, especially towards its southeast have historically made the city prone to geological changes.

Since medieval times, Thessaloniki has been hit by strong [[earthquake]]s, notably in 1759, 1902, 1978 and 1995.<ref name="Thessaloniki earthquakes">{{cite web |url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-data?locInclude=Thessaloniki |title=5 Significant Earthquakes where Location Name includes Thessaloniki |last=National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS): NCEI/WDS Global Significant Earthquake Database. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information |year=1972 |publisher=NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information |doi=10.7289/V5TD9V7K |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126211136/https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-data?locInclude=Thessaloniki |url-status=live }}</ref> On 19–20 June 1978, the city suffered [[1978 Thessaloniki earthquake|a series of powerful earthquakes]], registering 5.5 and 6.5 on the [[Richter magnitude scale|Richter scale]].<ref name="USGS">{{cite web |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/significant/sig_1978.php |title=Significant earthquakes of the world – 1978 |work=United States Department of Interior, US Geological Survey |access-date=18 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123173040/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/significant/sig_1978.php |archive-date=23 January 2010 }}</ref><ref name="Maniateas">{{cite book |title=100+1 Χρόνια Ελλάδα |trans-title=100+1 Years of Greece |publisher=Maniateas Publishings |year=1999 |volume=II |pages=210–211}}</ref> The tremors caused considerable damage to a number of buildings and ancient monuments,<ref name="USGS"/> but the city withstood the catastrophe without any major problems.<ref name="Maniateas"/> One apartment building in central Thessaloniki collapsed during the second earthquake, killing many and raising the final death toll to 51.<ref name="USGS"/><ref name="Maniateas"/>

{{wide image|Thessaloniki view.jpg|1500px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of the city from [[Kedrinos Lofos]] with [[Mount Olympus]] in the background}}

===Climate===

Thessaloniki's climate is transitional, lying on the periphery of multiple climate zones. According to the [[Köppen climate classification]], the city generally has a [[cold semi-arid climate]] (''BSk'') while a [[hot semi-arid climate]] (''BSh'') is found in the center. [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]] (''Csa'') and [[Humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] (''Cfa'') influences are also found in the city's climate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Climatic Data by City, HNMS, Hellenic National Meteorological Service |url=http://www.emy.gr/emy/en/climatology/climatology_city?perifereia=Central%20Macedonia&poli=Thessaloniki_Mikra |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=www.emy.gr |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425000117/http://www.emy.gr/emy/en/climatology/climatology_city?perifereia=Central%20Macedonia&poli=Thessaloniki_Mikra |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=meteothes.gr Live! - Yearly Data |url=https://mail.meteothes.gr/noaa-yearly.php |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=mail.meteothes.gr |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425000117/https://mail.meteothes.gr/noaa-yearly.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Like in [[Athens]] the [[Pindus]] mountain range greatly contributes to the generally dry climate of the area by substantially drying the westerly winds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mountain Weather in Greece : Articles : SummitPost |url=https://www.summitpost.org/mountain-weather-in-greece/1002640#chapter_11 |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=www.summitpost.org |archive-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613210103/https://www.summitpost.org/mountain-weather-in-greece/1002640#chapter_11 |url-status=live }}</ref> In fact, the [[Thessaloniki International Fair]] station of the [[National Observatory of Athens]] is the northernmost station in the world with a [[hot semi-arid climate]] (''BSh'').<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.anexartitos.gr/serres-emy-neo-rekor-mesi-megistis-thermokrasias-kalokairioy | title=Summer 2024 | accessdate=2 September 2024}}</ref>

Winters are somewhat dry, with occasional morning frost. Snowfalls occur more or less every winter, but the snow cover does not last for more than a few days. During the coldest winters, temperatures can drop to {{convert|−10|C|F}}.<ref name="Weatherbase">{{cite web |title=Thessaloniki, Greece |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=22661&refer=&units=metric&cityname=Thessaloniki-Kentriki-Makedonia-Greece |access-date=21 August 2011 |publisher=www.weatherbase.com |archive-date=6 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106204939/http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=22661&refer=&units=metric&cityname=Thessaloniki-Kentriki-Makedonia-Greece |url-status=live }}</ref> The record minimum temperature in Thessaloniki was {{convert|−14|C|F|0}}.<ref name="HNMS">{{cite web |url=http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/climatology/climatology_region_diagrams_html?dr_city=Thessaloniki_Mikra |title=Thessaloniki Mikra |publisher=Hellenic National Meteorological Service – Greek Ministry of Defence |access-date=21 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816212836/http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/climatology/climatology_region_diagrams_html?dr_city=Thessaloniki_Mikra |archive-date=16 August 2011 }}</ref> On average, Thessaloniki experiences frost (sub-zero temperature) 32 days a year,<ref name="Weatherbase"/> though that's less common near the city centre, owing to the [[urban heat island]] effect which characterizes the city and is more pronounced during the winter months.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Eftychiadou |date=27 June 2018 |title=Urban heat island in Thessaloniki city, Greece: a geospatial analysis |url=https://repository.ihu.edu.gr/xmlui/handle/11544/29216 |access-date=19 June 2023 |website=International Hellenic University repository |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619142320/https://repository.ihu.edu.gr/xmlui/handle/11544/29216 |url-status=live }}</ref> Foggy days occur sparsely, roughly 17 days a year, mainly in the autumn and winter months.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Stolaki |first1=S. N. |last2=Kazadzis |first2=S |last3=Foris |first3=D. V. |last4=Karacostas |first4=Th. |date=September 2009 |title=Fog characteristics at the airport of Thessaloniki, Greece |url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Annual-distribution-of-fog-events-for-the-1971-2005-period_fig2_38108855 |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=Researchgate |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426100607/https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Annual-distribution-of-fog-events-for-the-1971-2005-period_fig2_38108855 |url-status=live }}</ref> The coldest month of the year in downtown Thessaloniki is January, with an average 24-hour temperature of {{convert|8|C|F|0}}.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=https://mail.meteothes.gr/wxtempdetail.php |title=meteothes.gr Live! - Temperature Detail |website=mail.meteothes.gr |access-date=7 April 2023 |archive-date=2 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402055543/https://mail.meteothes.gr/wxtempdetail.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The city is also quite windy in the winter months, with January and February having an average wind speed of about {{cvt|11|km/h|0}}.<ref name="Weatherbase"/>

Thessaloniki's summers are hot and moderately dry.<ref name="Weatherbase"/> Maximum temperatures usually rise above {{cvt|30|°C|0}},<ref name="Weatherbase"/> but they rarely exceed {{convert|40|C|F}};<ref name="Weatherbase"/> while the average number of days the temperature is above {{convert|32|C|F|0}} is 32.<ref name="Weatherbase"/> Generally, the [[sea breeze]] blowing from the [[Thermaic Gulf|Thermaic gulf]] helps moderate the city's temperatures.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=A. F. |last1=Karagiannidis |first2=I. |last2=Tegoulias |first3=M. |last3=Varfi |first4=A. |last4=Tournaviti |first5=Chr. |last5=Michaelidou |first6=Th. |last6=Karacostas |date=1 May 2006 |title=Study of the sea-breeze in the area of Thessaloniki |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265086115 |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=ResearchGate |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315030821/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265086115_Study_of_the_sea-breeze_in_the_area_of_Thessaloniki |url-status=live }}</ref> The maximum recorded temperature in the city was {{convert|44|C|F|0}}.<ref name="Weatherbase"/><ref name="HNMS"/> Rain occasionally falls in the summer, mainly during thunderstorms, while [[heat wave]]s occur sporadically, though few of them are intense.<ref name="Climate, change and risk">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UbtG3vFfNtoC&q=Thessaloniki&pg=RA1-PA294 |year=1999 |title=Climate, change and risk |author1=Thomas E. Downing |author2=Alexander A. Olsthoorn |author3=Richard S. J. Tol |publisher=Routledge |access-date=21 August 2011 |isbn=9780415170314 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315030743/https://books.google.com/books?id=UbtG3vFfNtoC&q=Thessaloniki&pg=RA1-PA294 |url-status=live }}</ref> The hottest months of the year in downtown Thessaloniki are July and August, with an average 24-hour temperature of around {{convert|28.0|C|F|0}}.<ref name="auto"/>

In 2021, Greece was taken to task by the European Commission for failing to curb consistently high [[air pollution]] levels in Thessaloniki.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lialios |first=Giorgos |date=28 April 2021 |title=Greece taken to court over Thessaloniki air pollution {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1160120/greece-taken-to-court-over-thessaloniki-air-pollution/ |access-date=1 April 2022 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401125532/https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1160120/greece-taken-to-court-over-thessaloniki-air-pollution/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| location = [[Aristotle University of Thessaloniki]] 32 m asl, 1991 – 2020 normals (extremes 1930–present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 22.5
| Feb record high C = 25.1
| Mar record high C = 30.1
| Apr record high C = 32.2
| May record high C = 37.8
| Jun record high C = 41.2
| Jul record high C = 43.3
| Aug record high C = 41.6
| Sep record high C = 40.3
| Oct record high C = 33.4
| Nov record high C = 28.1
| Dec record high C = 24.4

| Jan high C = 10.6
| Feb high C = 12.4
| Mar high C = 15.6
| Apr high C = 19.7
| May high C = 25.2
| Jun high C = 30.0
| Jul high C = 32.3
| Aug high C = 32.3
| Sep high C = 27.8
| Oct high C = 22.1
| Nov high C = 16.6
| Dec high C = 11.8

| Jan mean C = 7.0
| Feb mean C = 8.4
| Mar mean C = 11.2
| Apr mean C = 14.9
| May mean C = 20.0
| Jun mean C = 24.7
| Jul mean C = 27.0
| Aug mean C = 27.1
| Sep mean C = 22.7
| Oct mean C = 17.7
| Nov mean C = 12.8
| Dec mean C = 8.3

| Jan low C = 3.4
| Feb low C = 4.4
| Mar low C = 6.8
| Apr low C = 10.1
| May low C = 14.9
| Jun low C = 19.4
| Jul low C = 21.8
| Aug low C = 21.9
| Sep low C = 17.6
| Oct low C = 13.4
| Nov low C = 9.0
| Dec low C = 4.9

| Jan record low C = -12.6
| Feb record low C = -8.9
| Mar record low C = -8.2
| Apr record low C = -0.4
| May record low C = 5.2
| Jun record low C = 8.6
| Jul record low C = 12.0
| Aug record low C = 10.3
| Sep record low C = 7.7
| Oct record low C = 1.4
| Nov record low C = -2.8
| Dec record low C = -8.2

| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 34.1
| Feb precipitation mm = 33.6
| Mar precipitation mm = 39.5
| Apr precipitation mm = 37.5
| May precipitation mm = 51.0
| Jun precipitation mm = 31.6
| Jul precipitation mm = 27.0
| Aug precipitation mm = 25.1
| Sep precipitation mm = 37.4
| Oct precipitation mm = 43.7
| Nov precipitation mm = 40.9
| Dec precipitation mm = 48.2
| source 1 = [[Aristotle University of Thessaloniki]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://meteo3.geo.auth.gr/stations/clim_data_1990.htm |title=AUTH |access-date=31 December 2023 |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045925/https://meteo3.geo.auth.gr/stations/clim_data_1990.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://meteo3.geo.auth.gr/stations/historical_data.htm |title=AUTH 2 |access-date=31 December 2023 |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045927/https://meteo3.geo.auth.gr/stations/historical_data.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-20008-0-THE |title=World Meteorological Organization |access-date=31 December 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620125224/https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-20008-0-THE |url-status=live }}</ref>
| source =
}}

{{Weather box
| location = [[Thessaloniki International Fair]] 29 m a.s.l.
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| width = auto
|Jan high C=11.5
|Feb high C=14.0
|Mar high C=15.7
|Apr high C=19.7
|May high C=24.6
|Jun high C=30.3
|Jul high C=32.7
|Aug high C=32.5
|Sep high C=27.8
|Oct high C=22.9
|Nov high C=17.6
|Dec high C=12.9

|Jan mean C= 8.3
|Feb mean C=10.2
|Mar mean C=11.9
|Apr mean C=15.6
|May mean C=20.5
|Jun mean C=26.0
|Jul mean C=28.7
|Aug mean C=28.5
|Sep mean C=24.1
|Oct mean C=19.2
|Nov mean C=14.4
|Dec mean C=10.1

|Jan low C= 5.0
|Feb low C= 6.3
|Mar low C= 8.0
|Apr low C=11.4
|May low C=16.4
|Jun low C=21.7
|Jul low C=24.6
|Aug low C=24.5
|Sep low C=20.3
|Oct low C=15.4
|Nov low C=11.2
|Dec low C= 7.2

|Jan record high C  = 21.3
|Feb record high C  = 21.4
|Mar record high C  = 23.9
|Apr record high C  = 30.5
|May record high C  = 32.8
|Jun record high C  = 37.8
|Jul record high C  = 40.4
|Aug record high C  = 40.8
|Sep record high C  = 33.2
|Oct record high C  = 30.3
|Nov record high C  = 26.3
|Dec record high C  = 20.8
|Jan record low C   = -4.6
|Feb record low C   = -4.0
|Mar record low C   = -0.2
|Apr record low C   = 2.9
|May record low C   = 9.9
|Jun record low C   = 15.3
|Jul record low C   = 17.2
|Aug record low C   = 19.2
|Sep record low C   = 12.4
|Oct record low C   = 8.9
|Nov record low C   = 3.2
|Dec record low C   = -0.2

|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm=36.6
|Feb rain mm=16.1
|Mar rain mm=41.5
|Apr rain mm=43.6
|May rain mm=27.3
|Jun rain mm=55.5
|Jul rain mm=19.1
|Aug rain mm=17.3
|Sep rain mm=26.4
|Oct rain mm=20.7
|Nov rain mm=30.5
|Dec rain mm=49.6

|source 1= [[National Observatory of Athens]] Monthly Bulletins (Sep 2018 - Jan 2025)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm | title=Meteo.gr - Προγνώσεις καιρού για όλη την Ελλάδα }}</ref> |source 2= Thessaloniki International Fair N.O.A station<ref>{{cite web | url=https://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/helexpo/ | title=Latest Conditions in Thessaloniki International Fair }}</ref> and [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref name="WMO">{{cite web | url=https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-300-1-helexpo | title=World Meteorological Organization | accessdate=14 July 2023}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| collapsed =yes
| location = Downtown Thessaloniki (2005 – 2025 averages and extremes)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 20.9
| Feb record high C = 22.5
| Mar record high C = 25.5
| Apr record high C = 29.7
| May record high C = 33.2
| Jun record high C = 40.5
| Jul record high C = 40.8
| Aug record high C = 40.4
| Sep record high C = 35.7
| Oct record high C = 30.8
| Nov record high C = 27.0
| Dec record high C = 24.7
| year record high C = 40.8
| Jan high C = 11.1
| Feb high C = 12.8
| Mar high C = 15.6
| Apr high C = 19.5
| May high C = 24.3
| Jun high C = 29.1
| Jul high C = 31.7
| Aug high C = 31.5
| Sep high C = 27.0
| Oct high C = 21.5
| Nov high C = 17.0
| Dec high C = 12.6

| Jan mean C = 8.3
| Feb mean C = 9.8
| Mar mean C = 12.3
| Apr mean C = 16.0
| May mean C = 20.8
| Jun mean C = 25.4
| Jul mean C = 28.0
| Aug mean C = 27.9
| Sep mean C = 23.6
| Oct mean C = 18.3
| Nov mean C = 14.2
| Dec mean C = 9.9

| Jan low C = 5.5
| Feb low C = 6.8
| Mar low C = 9.1
| Apr low C = 12.6
| May low C = 17.2
| Jun low C = 21.7
| Jul low C = 24.3
| Aug low C = 24.3
| Sep low C = 20.2
| Oct low C = 15.4
| Nov low C = 11.5
| Dec low C = 7.3

| Jan record low C = -9.3
| Feb record low C = -4.2
| Mar record low C = -2.8
| Apr record low C = 3.4
| May record low C = 8.6
| Jun record low C = 14.3
| Jul record low C = 16.6
| Aug record low C = 15.3
| Sep record low C = 12.2
| Oct record low C = 6.2
| Nov record low C = 1.6
| Dec record low C = -2.0
| year record low C = -9.3
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 31.1
| Feb precipitation mm = 27.2
| Mar precipitation mm = 40.9
| Apr precipitation mm = 30.4
| May precipitation mm = 41.7
| Jun precipitation mm = 42.8
| Jul precipitation mm = 21.7
| Aug precipitation mm = 20.6
| Sep precipitation mm = 33.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 36.6
| Nov precipitation mm = 30.3
| Dec precipitation mm = 40.6

| source 1 = [https://mail.meteothes.gr/wxtempdetail.php Meteothes Historical Centre Station] (Mar 2005 - Oct 2025)
| source =
}}

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| collapsed = yes
| location = [[Thessaloniki Airport]] 2 m asl, 1991-2020 normals (precipitation 1971-2000), (extremes 1961–present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 23.0
| Feb record high C = 24.0
| Mar record high C = 31.6
| Apr record high C = 31.2
| May record high C = 36.0
| Jun record high C = 41.4
| Jul record high C = 44.0
| Aug record high C = 40.5
| Sep record high C = 37.3
| Oct record high C = 32.2
| Nov record high C = 27.0
| Dec record high C = 24.0
| year record high C = 44.0
| Jan high C = 9.4
| Feb high C = 11.1
| Mar high C = 14.7
| Apr high C = 19.3
| May high C = 24.8
| Jun high C = 29.9
| Jul high C = 32.2
| Aug high C = 32.1
| Sep high C = 27.2
| Oct high C = 21.4
| Nov high C = 15.6
| Dec high C = 10.7
| year high C =
| Jan mean C = 5.7
| Feb mean C = 7.1
| Mar mean C = 10.1
| Apr mean C = 14.1
| May mean C = 19.3
| Jun mean C = 24.2
| Jul mean C = 26.5
| Aug mean C = 26.5
| Sep mean C = 22.0
| Oct mean C = 16.9
| Nov mean C = 11.8
| Dec mean C = 7.2
| year mean C =
| Jan low C = 2.2
| Feb low C = 3.3
| Mar low C = 5.6
| Apr low C = 8.8
| May low C = 13.8
| Jun low C = 18.6
| Jul low C = 20.9
| Aug low C = 20.8
| Sep low C = 16.8
| Oct low C = 12.6
| Nov low C = 8.2
| Dec low C = 3.9
| year low C =
| Jan record low C = -14.2
| Feb record low C = -12.8
| Mar record low C = -7.2
| Apr record low C = -2.0
| May record low C = 2.8
| Jun record low C = 6.8
| Jul record low C = 9.6
| Aug record low C = 8.2
| Sep record low C = 2.8
| Oct record low C = -1.4
| Nov record low C = -6.2
| Dec record low C = -9.8
| year record low C = -14.2
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 32.5
| Feb precipitation mm = 38.8
| Mar precipitation mm = 37.6
| Apr precipitation mm = 38.4
| May precipitation mm = 40.3
| Jun precipitation mm = 27.5
| Jul precipitation mm = 22.3
| Aug precipitation mm = 22.4
| Sep precipitation mm = 25.2
| Oct precipitation mm = 43.8
| Nov precipitation mm = 60.2
| Dec precipitation mm = 46.5
| Jan precipitation days = 11.5
| Feb precipitation days = 10.7
| Mar precipitation days = 12.1
| Apr precipitation days = 11.1
| May precipitation days = 11.0
| Jun precipitation days = 7.9
| Jul precipitation days = 6.7
| Aug precipitation days = 5.1
| Sep precipitation days = 7.0
| Oct precipitation days = 9.3
| Nov precipitation days = 11.8
| Dec precipitation days = 12.7
| unit precipitation days =
| Jan humidity = 75.7
| Feb humidity = 72.0
| Mar humidity = 71
| Apr humidity = 67.3
| May humidity = 63.0
| Jun humidity = 55.4
| Jul humidity = 52.7
| Aug humidity = 55.0
| Sep humidity = 61.9
| Oct humidity = 70.4
| Nov humidity = 76.3
| Dec humidity = 77.9
| Jan sun = 98.7
| Feb sun = 102.6
| Mar sun = 147.2
| Apr sun = 202.6
| May sun = 252.7
| Jun sun = 296.4
| Jul sun = 325.7
| Aug sun = 295.8
| Sep sun = 229.9
| Oct sun = 165.5
| Nov sun = 117.8
| Dec sun = 102.6
| source 1 = [https://www.weatheronline.gr/weather/maps/city?LANG=gr&CEL=C&SI=kph&MAPS=over&CONT=grgr&LAND=GR&REGION=0005&WMO=16622&UP=0&R=0&LEVEL=160&NOREGION=1] [http://www.hnms.gr/emy/el/climatology/climatology_city?perifereia=Central%20Macedonia&poli=Thessaloniki_Mikra] Sunshine Hours WMO [http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?d=CLINO&f=ElementCode%3A15] <ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_VI/GR/16622.TXT |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315030753/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_VI/GR/16622.TXT |archive-date=2024-03-15 |url-status=dead |title=Tables |access-date=22 October 2013 }}</ref>
| source = Info Climat climate normals & extremes,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie/normales-records/1981-2010/thessaloniki-airport/valeurs/16622.html |title=Normales et records climatologiques 1981-2010 à Thessaloniki Airport - Infoclimat |access-date=12 June 2023 |archive-date=12 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612203327/https://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie/normales-records/1981-2010/thessaloniki-airport/valeurs/16622.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[HNMS]] precipitation & humidity,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://climatlas.hnms.gr/sdi/ |title=HNMS |website=[[HNMS]] |language=el |access-date=12 June 2023 |archive-date=4 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204171218/http://climatlas.hnms.gr/sdi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[NOAA]] Sunshine hours & extremes <ref name="auto2"/>
}}
{{Weather box
| width = auto
| collapsed = yes
| location = [[Kalamaria]] 2009–2019
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan high C = 9.7
| Feb high C = 12.6
| Mar high C = 15.5
| Apr high C = 20.4
| May high C = 25.7
| Jun high C = 30.2
| Jul high C = 32.3
| Aug high C = 32.3
| Sep high C = 27.7
| Oct high C = 21.9
| Nov high C = 16.9
| Dec high C = 11.3
| Jan mean C = 6.5
| Feb mean C = 9.1
| Mar mean C = 11.3
| Apr mean C = 15.4
| May mean C = 20.4
| Jun mean C = 24.9
| Jul mean C = 27.2
| Aug mean C = 27.3
| Sep mean C = 23.0
| Oct mean C = 17.8
| Nov mean C = 13.6
| Dec mean C = 8.1
| year high C =
| Jan low C = 3.8
| Feb low C = 6.2
| Mar low C = 8.0
| Apr low C = 11.3
| May low C = 16.1
| Jun low C = 20.5
| Jul low C = 22.8
| Aug low C = 22.9
| Sep low C = 19.1
| Oct low C = 14.6
| Nov low C = 11.0
| Dec low C = 5.3
| year low C =
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 30
| Feb precipitation mm = 39
| Mar precipitation mm = 49
| Apr precipitation mm = 28
| May precipitation mm = 32
| Jun precipitation mm = 36
| Jul precipitation mm = 32
| Aug precipitation mm = 17
| Sep precipitation mm = 37
| Oct precipitation mm = 33
| Nov precipitation mm = 38
| Dec precipitation mm = 37|
| source = [[National Observatory of Athens]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.meteo.gr/climate/ |date=7 March 2023 |title=Climate |publisher=[[National Observatory of Athens]] |language=el |access-date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927081043/https://meteo.gr/climate/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

==Government==
[[File:Thessaloniki urban and metropolitan areas map.svg|thumb|Thessaloniki's [[Thessaloniki Urban Area|urban]] and [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area|metropolitan]] areas {{As of|2011|lc=y}}]]

According to the [[Kallikratis reform]], as of 1 January 2011 the [[Thessaloniki Urban Area]] ({{langx|el|Πολεοδομικό Συγκρότημα Θεσσαλονίκης}}) which makes up the "City of Thessaloniki", is made up of six self-governing [[List of municipalities of Greece|municipalities]] ({{langx|el|Δήμοι}}) and one municipal unit ({{langx|el|Δημοτική ενότητα}}). The [[List of municipalities of Greece|municipalities]] that are included in the [[Thessaloniki Urban Area]] are those of Thessaloniki (the city centre and largest in population size), [[Kalamaria]], [[Neapoli-Sykies]], [[Pavlos Melas (municipality)|Pavlos Melas]], [[Kordelio-Evosmos]], [[Ampelokipoi-Menemeni]], and the municipal units of [[Pylaia]] and [[Panorama, Thessaloniki|Panorama]], part of the municipality of [[Pylaia-Chortiatis]].<ref name="urban metro" /> Prior to the [[Kallikratis reform]], the [[Thessaloniki Urban Area]] was made up of twice as many municipalities, considerably smaller in size, which created bureaucratic problems.<ref>[http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=1&artid=36593 The Metropolitan Governance of Thessaloniki!] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20120716140044/http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=1&artid=36593 |date=16 July 2012 }} (in Greek)</ref>

===Thessaloniki Municipality===
{{see also|List of mayors of Thessaloniki}}

The [[Thessaloniki (municipality)|municipality of Thessaloniki]] ({{langx|el|Δήμος Θεσαλονίκης}}) is the second most populous in Greece, after [[Athens]], with a resident population of 317,778<ref name="2021census"/> (in 2021) and an area of {{convert|19.307|km2|sqmi|3|abbr=off}}. The municipality forms the core of the [[Thessaloniki Urban Area]], with its central district (the city centre), referred to as the ''Kentro'', meaning 'centre' or 'downtown'.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kentro in English with contextual examples – MyMemory |url=https://mymemory.translated.net/en/Greek/English/kentro |access-date=4 June 2020 |website=mymemory.translated.net |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604110610/https://mymemory.translated.net/en/Greek/English/kentro |url-status=live }}</ref>

The city's first mayor, Osman Sait Bey, was appointed when the institution of mayor was inaugurated under the [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1912. The incumbent mayor is [[Stelios Angeloudis]]. In 2011, the municipality of Thessaloniki had a budget of €464.33&nbsp;million<ref name="Budget 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/OikonomikesYpiresies/DnsiOikonomikYpiresiwn/TmimaProypologismouLogistikis/Sinoptiki%20katastasi.pdf |title=Σύντομη Οικονομική Κατάσταση Προϋπολογισμού |trans-title=Short Economic Situation of the Budget |publisher=Municipality of Thessaloniki |access-date=27 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209154023/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/OikonomikesYpiresies/DnsiOikonomikYpiresiwn/TmimaProypologismouLogistikis/Sinoptiki%20katastasi.pdf |archive-date=9 December 2014 }}</ref> while the budget of 2012 stands at €409.00&nbsp;million.<ref name="Budget 2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/OikonomikesYpiresies/DnsiOikonomikYpiresiwn/TmimaProypologismouLogistikis/synoptikh%20katastasi%20etoys%202012.pdf |title=Σύντομη Οικονομική Κατάσταση Προϋπολογισμού |trans-title=Short Economic Situation of the Budget |publisher=Municipality of Thessaloniki |access-date=27 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529022646/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/OikonomikesYpiresies/DnsiOikonomikYpiresiwn/TmimaProypologismouLogistikis/synoptikh%20katastasi%20etoys%202012.pdf |archive-date=29 May 2013 }}</ref>

===Other===
{{See also|Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace|Thessaloniki A (Hellenic Parliament constituency)}}
[[File:Ministry-Salonika.jpg|thumb|The [[Konak (Thessaloniki)|Government House]], now the [[Ministry for Macedonia and Thrace]], designed by [[Vitaliano Poselli]] in 1891]]
[[File:Thessaloniki prefecture building.jpg|thumb|The Prefecture building ([[Villa Allatini]])]]

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It is an influential city for the northern parts of the country and is the capital of the [[Central Macedonia|region of Central Macedonia]] and the [[Thessaloniki (regional unit)|Thessaloniki regional unit]]. The Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace is also based in Thessaloniki, since the city is the ''de facto'' capital of the [[Geographic regions of Greece|Greek region]] of [[Macedonia (Greece)|Macedonia]].{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

It is customary every year for the [[Prime Minister of Greece]] to announce his administration's policies on a number of issues, such as the economy, at the opening night of the [[Thessaloniki International Fair]]. In 2010, during the first months of the [[Economy of Greece#2010 debt crisis|2010 Greek debt crisis]], the entire [[cabinet of Greece]] met in Thessaloniki to discuss the country's future.<ref>{{cite web |last=ΔΗΜΟΣΙΕΥΣΗ |title=Πρεμιέρα Υπουργικού με τρία νομοσχέδια |date=9 September 2010 |url=http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?aid=353414 |publisher=Δημοσιογραφικός Οργανισμός Λαμπράκη Α.Ε. |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721083500/http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?aid=353414 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[Hellenic Parliament]], the Thessaloniki urban area constitutes a 17-seat constituency. As of the [[June 2023 Greek legislative election]] the largest party in Thessaloniki is the [[New Democracy (Greece)|New Democracy]] with 35.28% of the vote, followed by [[Syriza]] (17.52%).<ref name="Elections September 2019">{{cite web |url=https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/v/home/en/districts/6/ |title=National elections – July 2019 |publisher=Ministry of Interior |access-date=4 August 2019 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804194033/https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/v/home/en/districts/6/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The table below summarizes the results of the latest elections.

{|class="wikitable"
|+ '''[[June 2023 Greek legislative election|June 2023 election results for Thessaloniki A]]'''
|-
!Party
!Votes
!%
!Shift
![[Hellenic Parliament|MPs]] (17)
!Change
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[New Democracy (Greece)|New Democracy]]
|style="background:#ffc;"|102,449
|style="background:#ffc; text-align:center;"|35.28%
|style="background:#ffc;"|{{increase}}1.13%
|style="background:#ffc;"|{{Composition bar|8|17|{{party color|New Democracy (Greece)}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="background:#ffc; text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}1
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[Syriza]]
|50,877
||17.52%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}2.18%
|{{Composition bar|3|17|{{party color|Syriza}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}1
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[Communist Party of Greece]]
|23,732
|style="text-align:center;"|8.17%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}0.73%
|{{Composition bar|1|17|{{party color|Communist Party of Greece}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{nochange}}0
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[PASOK – Movement for Change|PASOK – KINAL]]
|23,638
|style="text-align:center;"|8.14%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}0.20%
|{{Composition bar|1|16|{{party color|PASOK}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{nochange}}0
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[Greek Solution]]
|23,143
|style="text-align:center;"|7.97%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}0.38%
|{{Composition bar|1|16|{{party color|Greek Solution}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}1
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[Victory (Greek political party)|Victory]]
|15,567
|style="text-align:center;"|5.36%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}0.78%
|{{Composition bar|1|16|{{party color|Victory (Greek political party)}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}1
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[Spartans (Greek political party)|Spartans]]
|14,592
|style="text-align:center;"|5.03%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}5.03%
|{{Composition bar|1|16|{{party color|Spartans (Greek political party)}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}1
|-
|style="width:200px;"|[[Course of Freedom]]
|12,893
|style="text-align:center;"|4.44%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}0.08%
|{{Composition bar|1|16|{{party color|Course of Freedom}}|border=none|per=1}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{increase}}1
|-
|colspan="22"|
|-
|style="width:200px;"|''Other parties (unrepresented)''
|23,493
|style="text-align:center;"|8.09%
|style="text-align:center;"|{{decrease}}14.33%
|style="text-align:center;"|
|style="text-align:center;"|{{nochange}}0
|}

==Cityscape==
[[File:ThessaloniqueHébrard.PNG|thumb|Plan for central Thessaloniki by [[Ernest Hébrard]]. Much of the plan can be seen in today's city centre.]]

===Architecture===
Architecture in Thessaloniki is the direct result of the city's position at the centre of all historical developments in the Balkans. Aside from its commercial importance, Thessaloniki was also for many centuries the military and administrative hub of the region, and beyond this the transportation link between Europe and [[the Levant]]. Merchants, traders and refugees from all over Europe settled in the city. The need for commercial and public buildings in this new era of prosperity led to the construction of large edifices in the city centre. During this time, the city saw the building of banks, large hotels, theatres, warehouses, and factories. Architects who designed some of the most notable buildings of the city, in the late 19th and early 20th century, include [[Vitaliano Poselli]], [[Pietro Arrigoni]], [[Xenophon Paionidis]], [[Salvatore Poselli]], [[:el:Λεονάρντο Τζενάρι|Leonardo Gennari]], [[Eli Modiano]], [[Moshé Jacques]], [[:fr:Joseph Pleyber|Joseph Pleyber]], [[Frederic Charnot]], [[Ernst Ziller]], [[:el:Μαξιμιλιανός Ρούμπενς|Max Rubens]], [[:el:Φιλήμων Παιονίδης|Filimon Paionidis]], [[Dimitris Andronikos]], [[Levi Ernst]], [[Angelos Siagas]], [[Alexandros Tzonis]] and more, using mainly the styles of [[Eclecticism]], [[Art Nouveau]] and [[Baroque Revival architecture|Neobaroque]].

The city layout changed after 1870, when the seaside fortifications gave way to extensive piers, and many of the oldest walls of the city were demolished, including those surrounding the [[White Tower of Thessaloniki|White Tower]], which today stands as the main landmark of the city. As parts of the early Byzantine walls were demolished, this allowed the city to expand east and west along the coast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/PolitistikesYpiresies/DnsiBibliothikwn/TmimaKentrIstorias/PeripatoiKlironomiassthThessaloniki/Thessaloniki.pdf |title=thessaloniki.gr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113204658/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/PolitistikesYpiresies/DnsiBibliothikwn/TmimaKentrIstorias/PeripatoiKlironomiassthThessaloniki/Thessaloniki.pdf |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref>

The expansion of [[Eleftherias Square]] towards the sea completed the new commercial hub of the city and at the time was considered one of the most vibrant squares of the city. As the city grew, workers moved to the western districts, because of their proximity to factories and industrial activities; while the middle and [[Social class|upper classes]] gradually moved from the city-centre to the eastern suburbs, leaving mainly businesses. In 1917, a devastating fire swept through the city and burned uncontrollably for 32 hours.<ref name=Gerolympos>Gerolympos, Alexandra Karadimou. ''The Redesign of Thessaloniki after the Fire of 1917''. University Studio Press, Thessaloniki, 1995</ref> It destroyed the city's historic centre and a large part of its architectural heritage, but paved the way for modern development featuring wider diagonal avenues and monumental squares.<ref name=Gerolympos/><ref name=Gerolympos2>{{cite book |last=Karadimou-Gerolympou |first=Alexandra |title=Urban transformation in the Balkans (1820–1920): Aspects of Balkan town planning and the remaking of Thessaloniki |publisher=University Studio Press |year=1996 |isbn=960-12-0553-5}}</ref>

{{wide image|Thessaloniki-Aristotelous360.png|900px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of [[Aristotelous Square]], one of Thessaloniki's most recognizable areas, which was designed by [[Ernest Hébrard]]}}

===City centre===
{{See also|Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917}}
[[File:Θεσσαλονίκη 2014 - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|The old ''Hotel Astoria'' on [[Tsimiski Street]], typical [[beaux-arts architecture]] of the post-fire architecture boom]]

After the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917, a team of architects and urban planners including [[Thomas Mawson]] and [[Ernest Hebrard]], a French architect, chose the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] era as the basis of their (re)building designs for Thessaloniki's city centre. The new city plan included axes, diagonal streets and monumental squares, with a [[Grid plan|street grid]] that would channel traffic smoothly. The plan of 1917 included provisions for future population expansions and a street and road network that would be, and still is sufficient today.<ref name=Gerolympos/> It contained sites for public buildings and provided for the restoration of Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques.

[[File:Thessalonikki, Macedonia, Greece 777.jpg|thumb|A street in [[Ladadika]] district]]

Also called the ''historic centre'', it is divided into several districts, including Dimokratias Square (Democracy Sq. known also as ''Vardaris'') ''[[Ladadika]]'' (where many entertainment venues and tavernas are located), ''Kapani'' (where the [[Modiano Market|city's central Modiano market]] is located), ''Diagonios'', ''[[Navarinou Square|Navarinou]]'', ''[[Arch of Galerius and Rotunda|Rotonda]]'', ''[[Agias Sofias Square|Agia Sofia]]'' and ''Hippodromio'', which are all located around Thessaloniki's most central point, [[Aristotelous Square]].

Various commercial stoas around Aristotelous are named from the city's past and historic personalities of the city, like stoa [[Maurice de Hirsch|Hirsch]], stoa [[Carasso family|Carasso]]/Ermou, Pelosov, Colombou, Levi, [[Modiano Market|Modiano]], Morpurgo, Mordoch, Simcha, Kastoria, Malakopi, Olympios, Emboron, Rogoti, Vyzantio, Tatti, Agiou Mina, Karipi etc.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/801932/article/ta3idia/sthn-ellada/stis-stoes-ths-8essalonikhs |title=Στις στοές της Θεσσαλονίκης kathimerini.gr |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209231603/http://www.kathimerini.gr/801932/article/ta3idia/sthn-ellada/stis-stoes-ths-8essalonikhs |url-status=live }}</ref>

The western portion of the city centre is home to Thessaloniki's law courts, its [[New railway station (Thessaloniki)|central international railway station]] and the [[Port of Thessaloniki|port]], while its eastern side hosts the city's two universities, the [[Thessaloniki International Fair|Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre]], the city's [[Kaftanzoglio Stadium|main stadium]], its archaeological and Byzantine museums, the new city hall and its central parks and gardens, namely those of the ''ΧΑΝΘ'' and ''Pedion tou Areos''.

===Ano Poli===
{{Main|Upper Town (Thessaloniki)}}
Ano Poli (also called ''Old Town'' and literally the ''Upper Town'') is the heritage-listed district north of Thessaloniki's city centre that was not engulfed by the [[Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917|great fire of 1917]] and was declared a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] through the ministerial actions of [[Melina Merkouri]], during the 1980s. It consists of Thessaloniki's most traditional part of the city, still featuring small stone-paved streets, old squares and homes featuring old [[Greek architecture|Greek]] and [[Ottoman architecture]]. It is the favourite area of Thessaloniki's poets, intellectuals and bohemians.

{{wide image|GR-thessalon-pano-1.jpg|700px|align-cap=center|Panorama of the city from [[Upper Town (Thessaloniki)|Ano Poli]]}}

Ano Poli is also the highest point in Thessaloniki and as such, is the location of the city's acropolis, its Byzantine fort, the [[Heptapyrgion (Thessaloniki)|Heptapyrgion]], a large portion of the [[Walls of Thessaloniki|city's remaining walls]], and with many of its additional Ottoman and Byzantine structures still standing. With the capture of Thessaloniki by the Ottomans in 1430, after a lengthy [[Siege of Thessalonica (1422–1430)|siege]] of the city from 1422 to 1430, the Ottomans settled in Ano Poli. This geographical choice was attributed to the higher level of Ano Poli, which was convenient to control the rest of the population remotely, and the microclimate of the area, which favoured better living conditions in terms of hygiene compared to the areas of the centre.

Today, the area provides access to the ''[[Kedrinos Lofos|Seich Sou]]'' Forest National Park<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seihsou.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=32 |title=Σεϊχ Σου (Seich-Sou) |work=Seich Sou Forest National Park Web site (in Greek) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113050610/http://www.seihsou.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=32 |archive-date=13 November 2010 }}</ref> and features panoramic views of the whole city and the [[Thermaic Gulf]]. On clear days [[Mount Olympus]], at about {{cvt|100|km|0}} away across the gulf, can also be seen towering the horizon.

===Other districts of Thessaloniki Municipality===
[[File:Ξηροκρήνη Θεσσαλονίκης.jpg|thumb|''Xirokrini'' neighbourhood]]
[[File:Βιλα Μορντοχ.jpg|thumb|160px|[[Villa Mordoch]] (arch. [[Xenophon Paionidis]]) on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue]]
In the Municipality of Thessaloniki, in addition to the historic centre and the Upper Town, are included the following districts: Xirokrini, Dikastiria (Courts), Ichthioskala, Palaios Stathmos, Lachanokipoi, Behtsinari, Panagia Faneromeni, Doxa, Saranta Ekklisies, Evangelistria, Triandria, Agia Triada-Faliro, Ippokrateio, Charilaou, Analipsi, [[Depot (Thessaloniki)|Depot]] and Toumba.

In the area of the Old Railway Station (Palaios Stathmos) began the construction of the [[Holocaust Museum of Greece]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 January 2018 |title=Θεσσαλονίκη: Όλα όσα έγιναν στο Μουσείο Ολοκαυτώματος – Η γυναίκα που συγκίνησε τον Τσίπρα |work=NewsIT |url=https://www.newsit.gr/politikh/thessaloniki-ola-osa-eginan-sto-mouseio-olokaytomatos-gynaika-pou-sygkinise-ton-tsipra/2400540/ |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206015323/https://www.newsit.gr/politikh/thessaloniki-ola-osa-eginan-sto-mouseio-olokaytomatos-gynaika-pou-sygkinise-ton-tsipra/2400540/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="efsyn.gr">{{Cite web |url=https://www.efsyn.gr/arthro/moyseio-olokaytomatos-mnimeio-stin-istoria |title=Mουσείο Ολοκαυτώματος, μνημείο στην Ιστορία |date=31 January 2018 |website=Η Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών |language=el |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-date=6 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206130448/https://www.efsyn.gr/arthro/moyseio-olokaytomatos-mnimeio-stin-istoria |url-status=dead}}</ref> In this area are located the [[Railway Museum of Thessaloniki]], the [[Water Supply Museum]] and large entertainment venues of the city, such as ''Milos'', ''Fix'', ''Vilka'' (which are housed in converted old factories). The [[Thessaloniki railway station]] is located on Monastiriou street.

Other extended and densely built-up residential areas are [[Charilaou]] and [[Toumba (Thessaloniki)|Toumba]], which is divided into "Ano Toumpa" and "Kato Toumpa". Toumba was named after the homonymous hill of Toumba, where extensive archaeological research takes place. It was created by refugees after the 1922 Asia Minor disaster and the population exchange (1923–24). On ''Exochon'' avenue (''Rue des Campagnes'', today Vasilissis Olgas and Vasileos Georgiou Avenues), was up until the 1920s home to the city's most affluent residents and formed the outermost suburbs of the city at the time, with the area close to the [[Thermaic Gulf]], from the 19th-century holiday villas which defined the area.<ref>Some of them include [[Villa Allatini]], [[Villa Bianca (Thessaloniki)|Villa Bianca]], [[Cultural Centre of the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation in Thessaloniki|Villa Mehmet Kapanci]], [[Folk Art and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace|Villa Modiano]], [[Municipal Art Gallery (Thessaloniki)|Villa Mordoch]], Hatzilazarou/Siaga Mansion, Villa Morpurgo/Zardinidi, Villa Jeborga/Salem (the old Italian consulate), Villa Nechama, Villa Marocco, Château Mon Bonheur etc.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mathra-sights.gr/hotspot.php?id=7&lan=el |title=Municipal Art Gallery (Thessaloniki) – Official Website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518093710/http://www.mathra-sights.gr/hotspot.php?id=7&lan=el |archive-date=18 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Thessaloniki urban area===
[[File:Εξωτερική-άποψη-της-Μονής-Λαζαριστών.jpg|thumb|The cultural centre (including [[MOMus–Museum of Modern Art–Costakis Collection]] and two theatres of the [[National Theatre of Northern Greece]]), former Catholic Lazarist Monastery (Moni Lazariston)]]

Other districts of the wider urban area of Thessaloniki are Ampelokipi, Eleftherio – Kordelio, Menemeni, Evosmos, Ilioupoli, Stavroupoli, Nikopoli, Neapoli, Polichni, Paeglos, Meteora, Agios Pavlos, Kalamaria, Pylaia and the Sykies.
Northwestern Thessaloniki is home to ''Moni Lazariston'', located in [[Stavroupoli]], which today forms one of the most important cultural centres for the city, including [[MOMus–Museum of Modern Art–Costakis Collection]] and two theatres of the [[National Theatre of Northern Greece]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greekstatemuseum.com/ |title=Official website MOMus–Museum of Modern Art–Costakis Collection |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629072628/https://www.greekstatemuseum.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.monilazariston.gr/B0E2D3E8.en.aspx |title=Profile |publisher=Monilazariston.gr |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=11 March 2012 |archive-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215161236/http://www.monilazariston.gr/B0E2D3E8.en.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

In northwestern Thessaloniki many cultural premises exist, such as the open-air Theater ''Manos Katrakis'' in Sykies, the Museum of Refugee Hellenism in Neapolis, the municipal theatre and the open-air theatre in Neapoli and the New Cultural Centre of Menemeni (Ellis Alexiou Street).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nikiforidis-cuomo.com/work/buildings/45 |title=Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο, Θέατρο και υπαίθριος Κινηματογράφος Μενεμένης – Αρχιτεκτονικό Γραφείο Πρόδρομου Νικηφορίδη και Bernard Cuomo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609223319/http://www.nikiforidis-cuomo.com/work/buildings/45 |archive-date=9 June 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Stavroupolis Botanical Garden on Perikleous Street includes 1,000 species of plants and is a {{Convert|5|acre|ha|adj=on}} oasis of greenery. The Environmental Education Centre in Kordelio was designed in 1997 and is one of a few public buildings of bioclimatic design in Thessaloniki.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kpe-thess.gr/el/ |title=Κέντρο Περιβαλλοντικής Εκπαίδευσης Ελευθερίου-Κορδελιού και Βερτίσκου |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118153342/http://www.kpe-thess.gr/el/ |archive-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Northwest Thessaloniki forms the main entry point into the city of Thessaloniki with the avenues of Monastiriou, [[Mikis Theodorakis Avenue|Miki Theodoraki]] and 26is Octovriou passing through it, as well as the extension of the A1 motorway, feeding into Thessaloniki's city centre. The area is home to the [[Thessaloniki Bus Station|Macedonia InterCity Bus Terminal]] ([[KTEL (Greece)|KTEL]]), the [[Thessaloniki railway station]], and the [[Zeitenlik]] [[Allies (World War I)|Allied]] memorial [[military cemetery]].

Monuments have also been erected in honour of the fighters of the [[Greek Resistance]], as in these areas the Resistance was very active: the monument of Greek National Resistance in Sykies, the monument of Greek National Resistance in Stavroupolis, the Statue of the struggling Mother in Eptalofos Square and the monument of the young Greeks who were executed by the Nazis on 11 May 1944 in Xirokrini. In Eptalofos, on 15 May 1941, one month after the occupation of the country, the first resistance organization in Greece, "Eleftheria", was founded, with its newspaper and the first illegal printing house in the city of Thessaloniki.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.alterthess.gr/content/ekdilosi-afieroma-stin-efimerida-eleytheria-tin-proti-efimerida-tis-antistasis |title=Εκδήλωση-αφιέρωμα στην εφημερίδα "ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ", την πρώτη εφημερίδα της Αντίστασης |date=2 April 2016 |access-date=7 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404073425/http://www.alterthess.gr/content/ekdilosi-afieroma-stin-efimerida-eleytheria-tin-proti-efimerida-tis-antistasis |archive-date=4 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="καζάνας1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.efsyn.gr/nisides/241619_i-xirokrini-tis-antistasis |title=Η Ξηροκρήνη της Αντίστασης |last=Καζάνας |first=Γιώργος |date=2 May 2020 |website=Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών |access-date=9 May 2020 |archive-date=15 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615074213/https://www.efsyn.gr/nisides/241619_i-xirokrini-tis-antistasis |url-status=live }}</ref>

Today southeastern Thessaloniki has in some way become an extension of the city centre, with the avenues of Megalou Alexandrou, Georgiou Papandreou (Antheon), Vasileos Georgiou, Vasilissis Olgas, Delfon, Konstantinou Karamanli (Nea Egnatia) and Papanastasiou passing through it, enclosing an area traditionally called {{Lang|el|Ντεπώ|italic=no}} ({{Lang|el-Latn|Depó|italic=yes}}'','' <small>lit.</small> Dépôt), from the name of the old tram station, owned by a French company.

The municipality of [[Kalamaria]] is also located in southeastern Thessaloniki and was firstly, inhabited mainly by Greek refugees from [[Asia Minor]] and [[East Thrace]] after 1922.<ref>ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΤΟΜΟΣ ΤΟΥΡΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΟΔΗΓΟΣ, εκδόσεις Μαλλιάρη, 978-960-457-587-9.</ref> There are built the [[Northern Greece Naval Command]] and the old royal palace (called [[Palataki (Thessaloniki)|Palataki]]), located on the most westerly point of [[Mikro Emvolo]] cape.

===Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments (UNESCO)===
{{Main|Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki}}
{{See also|Byzantine architecture}}
[[File:Church of Saint Demetrios - panoramio.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|The [[Hagios Demetrios|church]] of [[Saint Demetrius]], patron saint of the city, built in the fourth century, is the largest basilica in Greece and one of the city's most prominent Paleochristian monuments.]]

[[File:Hagia Sofia Thessaloniki.jpg|thumb|[[Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki|Hagia Sophia]], Thessaloniki]]
[[File:THES Panaghia Chalkeon 5944.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Panagia Chalkeon]] church in Thessaloniki (1028&nbsp;AD), one of the 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city]]
[[File:Βυζαντινό λουτρό Άνω Πόλης 1788.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Byzantine Bath (Thessaloniki)|The Byzantine Bath of the Upper Town]]]]

Because of Thessaloniki's importance during the [[early Christianity|early Christian]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] periods, the city is host to several Paleochristian monuments that have significantly contributed to the development of [[Byzantine art]] and [[Byzantine architecture|architecture]] throughout the [[Byzantine Empire]] as well as [[Serbia]].<ref name="UNESCO"/> The evolution of Imperial [[Byzantine architecture]] and the prosperity of Thessaloniki go hand in hand, especially during the first years of the Empire,<ref name="UNESCO"/> when the city continued to flourish. It was at that time that the [[Arch of Galerius and Rotunda|Complex of]] [[Roman emperor]] [[Galerius]] was built, as well as the first church of [[Saint Demetrius|Hagios Demetrios]].<ref name="UNESCO"/>

By the eighth century, the city had become an important administrative centre of the [[Byzantine Empire]], and handled much of the [[Byzantine Empire|Empire]]'s [[Balkans|Balkan]] affairs.<ref name="AUTH 2">[http://www.auth.gr/univ/city/city/index_el.html Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "The City of Thessaloniki"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517174744/http://www.auth.gr/univ/city/city/index_el.html |date=17 May 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> During that time, the city saw the creation of more notable Christian churches that are now part of Thessaloniki's UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the [[Church of Saint Catherine, Thessaloniki|Church of Saint Catherine]], the [[Hagia Sophia (Thessaloniki)|Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki]], the [[Church of the Acheiropoietos]], the [[Church of Panagia Chalkeon]].<ref name="UNESCO"/> When the [[Ottoman Empire]] took control of Thessaloniki in 1430, most of the city's churches were converted into [[mosques]],<ref name="UNESCO"/> but have survived to this day. Travellers such as [[Paul Lucas (traveller)|Paul Lucas]] and [[Abdulmejid I]]<ref name="UNESCO"/> document the city's wealth in Christian monuments during the years of [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] control of the city.

The church of [[Hagios Demetrios]] burned down during the [[Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917]], as did many other city monuments, but it was rebuilt. During [[World War II]], the city was extensively bombed and as such many of Thessaloniki's Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments were heavily damaged.<ref name="AUTH 2"/> Some of the sites were not restored until the 1980s. Thessaloniki has more monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site than any other city in Greece, a total of 15 monuments.<ref name="UNESCO"/> They have been listed since 1988.<ref name="UNESCO"/>

===Urban sculpture===
[[File:Θεσσαλονίκη 2014 (The Statue of Alexander the Great) - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|200px|The equestrian statue of [[Alexander the Great]] on the promenade]]
[[File:Aristotelous Square - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|Statue of [[Aristotle]] on [[Aristotelous Square]]]]
[[File:Άγαλμα Χρυσοστόμου Σμύρνης Θεσσαλονίκη.jpg|thumb|[[Chrysostomos of Smyrna]] statue, [[Agias Sofias Square]], Thessaloniki]]
There are around 150 statues or busts in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.karfitsa.gr/ta-150-agalmata-tis-thessalonikis/ |title=150 αγάλματα της Θεσσαλονίκης |date=29 June 2014 |access-date=4 April 2019 |archive-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404133356/https://www.karfitsa.gr/ta-150-agalmata-tis-thessalonikis/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Probably the most famous one is the equestrian statue of [[Alexander the Great]] on the promenade, placed in 1973 and created by sculptor Evangelos Moustakas. An equestrian statue of [[Constantine I of Greece|Constantine I]], by sculptor [[:el:Γεώργιος Δημητριάδης|Georgios Dimitriades]], is located in Demokratias Square. Other notable statues include that of [[Eleftherios Venizelos]] by sculptor [[:el:Γιάννης Παππάς|Giannis Pappas]], [[Pavlos Melas]] by [[Natalia Mela]], the statue of [[Emmanouel Pappas]] by [[Memos Makris]], [[Chrysostomos of Smyrna]] by [[Athanase Apartis|Athanasios Apartis]], [[Aristotle]] on [[Aristotelous Square]] and such as various creations by [[George Zongolopoulos]], [[Philip II of Macedon]] opposite the White Tower.

===Thessaloniki 2012 Programme===
[[File:Thessaloniki waterfront - Greece - panoramio.jpg|thumb|200px|Aerial view of the newest section of the promenade (Nea Paralia), which was opened to the public in January 2014]]

With the 100th anniversary of the 1912 incorporation of Thessaloniki into Greece, the government announced a large-scale redevelopment programme for the city of Thessaloniki, which aims in addressing the current environmental and spatial problems<ref name="2012-1">[http://government.gov.gr/2010/09/22/1937/ Hellenic Government – Thessaloniki 2012 Program] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519153237/http://government.gov.gr/2010/09/22/1937/ |date=19 May 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> that the city faces. More specifically, the programme will drastically change the physiognomy of the city<ref name="2012-1"/> by relocating the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre and grounds of the [[Thessaloniki International Fair]] outside the city centre and turning the current location into a large metropolitan park,<ref name="2012-2">[http://www.ypeka.gr/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ojoG1PRSCZg%3d&tabid=367 Ministry of the Environment, of Energy and of Climate Change – Complete presentation] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721084132/http://www.ypeka.gr/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ojoG1PRSCZg=&tabid=367 |date=21 July 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> redeveloping the coastal front of the city,<ref name="2012-2"/> relocating the city's numerous military camps and using the grounds and facilities to create large parklands and cultural centres;<ref name="2012-2"/> and the complete redevelopment of the harbour and the ''Lachanokipoi'' and ''Dendropotamos'' districts (behind and near the [[Port of Thessaloniki]]) into a commercial business district,<ref name="2012-2"/> with possible [[skyscraper|highrise]] developments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Σε επιχειρηματικό πάρκο μεταμορφώνονται οι Λαχανόκηποι ("Laxanokipoi is transformed into business district") |url=http://boreia.gr/index.php?module=news&func=display&sid=11225 |access-date=8 August 2011 |newspaper=VORIA.gr |date=26 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327155827/http://boreia.gr/index.php?module=news&func=display&sid=11225 |archive-date=27 March 2012 }}</ref>

The plan also envisions the creation of new wide avenues in the outskirts of the city<ref name="2012-2"/> and the creation of pedestrian-only zones in the city centre.<ref name="2012-2"/> Furthermore, the program includes plans to expand the jurisdiction of ''Seich Sou'' Forest National Park<ref name="2012-1"/> and the improvement of accessibility to and from the Old Town.<ref name="2012-1"/> The ministry has said that the project will take an estimated 15 years to be completed, in 2025.<ref name="2012-2"/>

Part of the plan has been implemented with extensive pedestrianisations within the city centre by the municipality of Thessaloniki and the revitalisation the eastern urban waterfront/promenade, {{Lang|el|Νέα Παραλία}} ({{Lang|el-Latn|Néa Paralía|italic=yes}}, <small>lit.</small> new promenade), with a modern and vibrant design. Its first section opened in 2008, having been awarded as the best public project in Greece of the last five years by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.makthes.gr/news/arts/36883/ |title=ΝΕΑ ΠΑΡΑΛΙΑ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ Καινούργια και βραβευμένη! – Εφημερίδα Μακεδονία της Θεσσαλονίκης |publisher=Makthes.gr |access-date=19 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616005026/http://www.makthes.gr/news/arts/36883/ |archive-date=16 June 2013 }}</ref>

The municipality of Thessaloniki's budget for the reconstruction of important areas of the city and the completion of the waterfront, opened in January 2014, was estimated at {{currency|28.2|EUR}} million ({{currency|39.9|USD}} million) for the year 2011 alone.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.makthes.gr/news/reportage/71129/ |script-title=el:Στα 28 εκατ. ευρώ το τεχνικό πρόγραμμα του δήμου |newspaper=Makedonia |location=Thessaloniki |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011 |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906162343/http://www.makthes.gr/news/reportage/71129/ |archive-date=6 September 2012 }}</ref>

==Economy==
{{See also|Category:Companies based in Thessaloniki|Economy of Greece}}
{{Infobox economy
| country = Thessaloniki
| image = GDP of Thessaloniki.svg
| caption = GDP of the Thessaloniki regional unit 2000–2011
| gdp = €19.851&nbsp;billion (PPP, 2011)<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/>
| gdp rank = 2nd in Greece
| growth = −7.8% (2011)<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/>
| per capita = €17,200 (PPP, 2011)<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/>
| Human development index = 
| labor = 534,800 (2010)<ref name="Eurostat Economically Active Population">{{cite web |url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/product_details/dataset?p_product_code=LFST_R_LFP3POP |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121218015418/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/product_details/dataset?p_product_code=LFST_R_LFP3POP |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 December 2012 |title=Economically active population by sex and age(%) |publisher=[[Eurostat]] |access-date=25 February 2012}}</ref>
| unemployment = 30.2% (2014)<ref name="Eurostat Unemployment">{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-datasets/-/met_lfu3rt |title=Unemployment rates by sex and age |publisher=[[Eurostat]] |access-date=10 December 2015 |archive-date=11 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211104513/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-datasets/-/met_lfu3rt |url-status=live }}</ref>
| usebelowbox = no
| presentUS$asdefault = no
}}
[[File:Stoa Malakopi.jpg|thumb|200px|The old building of [[Banque de Salonique]], now Stoa Malakopi]]
[[File:Building of the Bank of Greece and National Bank of Greece in Thessaloniki, 15 September 2018.png|200px|thumb|A building of the [[Bank of Greece]]]]

Thessaloniki rose to economic prominence as a major economic hub in the [[Balkans]] during the years of the [[Roman Empire]]. The [[Pax Romana]] and the city's strategic position allowed for the facilitation of trade between [[Rome]] and [[Byzantium]] (later [[Constantinople]] and now [[Istanbul]]) through Thessaloniki by means of the [[Via Egnatia]].<ref name="Companion to Macedonia"/> The Via Egnatia also functioned as an important line of communication between the Roman Empire and the nations of Asia,<ref name="Companion to Macedonia">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC&q=Via+Egnatia+Thessaloniki&pg=PA565 |title=A Companion to Ancient Macedonia |year=2011 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |author1=Joseph Roisman |author2=Ian Worthington |access-date=18 April 2012 |isbn=9781444351637 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031538/https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC&q=Via+Egnatia+Thessaloniki&pg=PA565#v=snippet&q=Via%20Egnatia%20Thessaloniki&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> particularly in relation to the [[Silk Road]].

With the partition of the Roman Empire into [[Byzantine Empire|East]] (Byzantine) and [[Western Roman Empire|West]], Thessaloniki became the second-largest city of the Eastern Roman Empire after New Rome (Constantinople) in terms of economic might.<ref name="DCCXVI"/><ref name="Companion to Macedonia"/> Under the Empire, Thessaloniki was the largest port in the Balkans.<ref name="Economic Ideas">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0-cM9wDXYvgC&q=Thessaloniki |title=Ancient and Medieval Economic Ideas and Concepts of Social Justice |year=1998 |publisher=BRILL |author1=S. Todd Lowry |author2=Barry Lewis |author3=John Gordon |access-date=18 April 2012 |isbn=9004099646 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031529/https://books.google.com/books?id=0-cM9wDXYvgC&q=Thessaloniki#v=snippet&q=Thessaloniki&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> As the city passed from Byzantium to the [[Republic of Venice]] in 1423, it was subsequently conquered by the [[Ottoman Empire]]. Under Ottoman rule the city retained its position as the most important trading hub in the Balkans.<ref name="Economic History"/> Manufacturing, shipping and trade were the most important components of the city's economy during the Ottoman period,<ref name="Economic History"/> and the majority of the city's trade at the time was controlled by ethnic [[Greeks]].<ref name="Economic History"/> Plus, the [[Jews of Thessaloniki|Jewish community]] was also an important factor in the trade sector.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

Historically important industries for the economy of Thessaloniki included [[tobacco industry|tobacco]] (in 1946 35% of all tobacco companies in Greece were headquartered in the city, and 44% in 1979)<ref name="Tobacco">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XYU9AAAAIAAJ&q=Thessaloniki+industrialization&pg=PA259 |title=Industrialization in Developing and Peripheral Regions |year=1986 |publisher=Routledge |author=F. E. Ian Hamilton |access-date=18 April 2012 |isbn=9780709938279 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031538/https://books.google.com/books?id=XYU9AAAAIAAJ&q=Thessaloniki+industrialization&pg=PA259 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[bank]]ing (in Ottoman years Thessaloniki was a major centre for investment from western Europe, with the [[Banque de Salonique]] having a capital of 20&nbsp;million [[French franc]]s in 1909).<ref name="Economic History"/>

===Services===
{{See also|Port of Thessaloniki}}
[[File:Port of Thessaloniki.png|thumb|260px|The port in 2009]]

The [[secondary sector of the economy|service sector]] accounts for nearly two-thirds of the total labour force of Thessaloniki.<ref name="Globalization">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v6itRdhjTZwC&q=manufacturing&pg=PA82 |title=Globalisation, Migration and Socio-Economic Change in Contemporary Greece: Processes of Social Incorporation of Balkan Immigrants in Thessaloniki |publisher=Amsterdam University Press |author=Panos Arion Hatziprokopiou |access-date=18 June 2012 |isbn=9789053568736 |year=2006 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031521/https://books.google.com/books?id=v6itRdhjTZwC&q=manufacturing&pg=PA82#v=snippet&q=manufacturing&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Of those working in services, 20% were employed in trade; 13% in education and healthcare; 7.1% in real estate; 6.3% in transport, communications and storage; 6.1% in the finance industry and service-providing organizations; 5.7% in public administration and insurance services; and 5.4% in hotels and restaurants.<ref name="Globalization"/>

The city's port, the [[Port of Thessaloniki]], is one of the largest ports in the Aegean and as a [[free port]], it functions as a major gateway to the Balkan hinterland.<ref name="Development"/><ref name="THPA">{{cite web |url=http://www.thpa.gr/files/general/leaflet.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.thpa.gr/files/general/leaflet.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=The port CITY |year=2010 |publisher=Thessaloniki Port Authority |access-date=2 December 2011}}</ref> In 2010, more than 15.8&nbsp;million tons of products went through the city's port,<ref name="Eurostat ports">{{cite web |url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=mar_go_aa&lang=en |title=Maritime transport – Goods (gross weight) – Annual data – All ports – by direction |year=2010 |publisher=[[Eurostat]] |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-date=21 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121143656/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=mar_go_aa&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> making it the second-largest port in Greece after [[Aghioi Theodoroi]], surpassing [[Piraeus]]. At 273,282 [[Twenty-foot equivalent unit|TEUs]], it is also Greece's second-largest container port after [[Piraeus]].<ref name="Statistical Data">{{cite web |url=http://www.thpa.gr/files/statistics/statistics2008en.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.thpa.gr/files/statistics/statistics2008en.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=Statistical Data 2010 |publisher=Thessaloniki Port Authority |access-date=2 December 2011}}</ref> As a result, the city is a major transportation hub for the whole of south-eastern Europe,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snpth.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=14&lang=en |title=Shipping Agents Association of Thessaloniki |publisher=www.snpth.gr |access-date=2 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721083227/http://www.snpth.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=14&lang=en |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}{{clarify|date=December 2011}}</ref> carrying, among other things, trade to and from the neighbouring countries.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

In recent years Thessaloniki has begun to turn into a major port for [[Cruising (maritime)|cruising]] in the eastern [[Mediterranean]].<ref name="THPA"/> The Greek ministry of tourism considers Thessaloniki to be Greece's second most important commercial port,<ref name="Royal Caribbean">{{cite web |url=http://www.thpa.gr/files/general/portthess7.pdf |title=I"Οχημα" η κρουαζιέρα για τον ελληνικό τουρισμό |trans-title=Cruising as a means for Greek tourism |publisher=www.thpa.gr |work=Port.Thess (July–August 2011 edition) |page=3 |year=2011 |access-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820104815/http://www.thpa.gr/files/general/portthess7.pdf |archive-date=20 August 2011}}</ref> and companies such as [[Royal Caribbean International]] have expressed interest in adding the Port of Thessaloniki to their destinations.<ref name="Royal Caribbean"/> A total of 30 cruise ships are expected to arrive at Thessaloniki in 2011.<ref name="Royal Caribbean"/>

[[File:GDP of Attica, Thessaloniki and the rest of Greece.svg|thumb|220px|The GDP of Thessaloniki in comparison to that of Attica and the rest of the country (2012)]]

===Companies===
====Recent history====
After [[WWII]] and the [[Greek Civil War]], heavy industrialization of the city's suburbs began in the mid-1950s.<ref>Note also the concomitant decrease of water cleanliness in Glenn Eldon Curtis, ed., ''Greece, a Country Study'', Volume 550, Issues 87-995 (Washington, DC: Federal Research Division, United States Department of the Army, 1995), 92–107. {{ISBN|0844408565}}</ref>

During the 1980s, a spate of factory shutdowns occurred, mostly of automobile manufacturers, such as [[Agricola (vehicles)|Agricola]], [[AutoDiana]], [[EBIAM]], [[Motoemil]], [[Pantelemidis-TITAN]] and [[C.AR (automobiles)|C.AR]]. Since the 1990s, companies took advantage of cheaper labour markets and more lax regulations than in other countries, and among the largest companies to shut down factories were [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfi.gr/ |title=Pfi (Βφλ) |publisher=Pfi.gr |access-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313053025/http://www.pfi.gr/ |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}</ref> AVEZ pasta industry (one of the first industrial factories in northern Greece, built in 1926),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.makthes.gr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10661 |title=Information is in Greek from one of the city's largest dailies |publisher=Makthes.gr |date=29 December 2007 |access-date=22 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228000324/http://www.makthes.gr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10661 |archive-date=28 December 2008 }}</ref> [[Philkeram Johnson]], AGNO dairy and VIAMIL.

However, Thessaloniki still remains a major business hub in the Balkans and Greece, with a number of important Greek companies headquartered in the city, such as the [[Hellenic Vehicle Industry]] (ELVO), [[Namco (automobiles)|Namco]], [[Astra Airlines]], [[Ellinair]], [[Pyramis]] and [[MLS Multimedia]], which introduced the first Greek-built [[smartphone]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skai.gr/news/technology/article/207430/smartphone-made-in-greece-/ |title=Smartphone Made in Greece! |date=5 July 2012 |publisher=[[Skai TV]] |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=8 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208002944/http://www.skai.gr/news/technology/article/207430/smartphone-made-in-greece-/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Industry====
In early 1960s, with the collaboration of [[Standard Oil]] and [[ESSO-Pappas]], a large industrial zone was created, containing [[Oil refinery|refineries]], [[oil refinery]] and [[steel]] production (owned by [[Hellenic Steel Co.]]). The zone attracted also a series of different factories during the next decades.

[[Titan Cement]] has also facilities outside the city, on the road to [[Serres]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessnews.gr/article/90964/titan-o-eghorios-kolossos-me-tin-polyethniki-paroysia |title=ΤΙΤΑΝ: Ο εγχώριος κολοσσός |access-date=19 April 2019 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419093345/https://www.businessnews.gr/article/90964/titan-o-eghorios-kolossos-me-tin-polyethniki-paroysia |url-status=dead}}</ref> such as the [[Heracles General Cement|AGET Heracles]], a member of the [[Lafarge (company)|Lafarge]] group, and [[Alumil Aluminium Industry S.A.|Alumil SA]].

Multinational companies such as [[Air Liquide]], [[American Cyanamid|Cyanamid]], [[Nestlé]], [[Pfizer]], [[Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company]] and [[Vivartia]] have also industrial facilities in the suburbs of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tovima.gr/2008/11/24/finance/polyethnikoi-biomixanikoi-kolossoi-stin-ellada/ |title=Πολυεθνικοί βιομηχανικοί κολοσσοί στην Ελλάδα |date=24 November 2008 |access-date=1 September 2019 |archive-date=1 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901233941/https://www.tovima.gr/2008/11/24/finance/polyethnikoi-biomixanikoi-kolossoi-stin-ellada/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Foodstuff====
Foodstuff or drink companies headquartered in the city include the [[Mevgal|Macedonian Milk Industry]] (Mevgal), [[Allatini (company)|Allatini]], [[Barbastathis]], [[Hellenic Sugar Industry]], [[Haitoglou Bros]], [[Mythos Brewery]], [[Malamatina]], while the [[Goody's Burger House (restaurant)|Goody's]] chain started from the city.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

The [[American Farm School]] also is an important contributor to local food production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greece-is.com/the-american-farm-school-21st-century-farming/ |title=American farm school |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=19 April 2019 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419092911/http://www.greece-is.com/the-american-farm-school-21st-century-farming/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Macroeconomic indicators===
In 2011, the [[Thessaloniki (regional unit)|regional unit of Thessaloniki]] had a [[Gross Domestic Product]] of [[Euro|€]]18.293&nbsp;billion (ranked second amongst the country's regional units),<ref name="Eurostat GDPs">{{cite web |url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nama_r_e3gdp&lang=en |title=Gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices at NUTS level 3 |year=2010 |publisher=[[Eurostat]] |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025070041/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nama_r_e3gdp&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> comparable to [[Bahrain]] or [[Cyprus]], and a per capita of €15,900 (ranked 16th).<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> In [[Purchasing Power Parity]], the same indicators are €19,851&nbsp;billion (2nd)<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> and €17,200 (15th) respectively.<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> In terms of comparison with the [[European Union]] average, Thessaloniki's GDP per capita indicator stands at 63% the EU average<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> and 69% in [[Purchasing Power Parity|PPP]]<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> – this is comparable to the German state of [[Brandenburg]].<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> Overall, Thessaloniki accounts for 8.9% of the total [[economy of Greece]].<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/> Between 1995 and 2008 Thessaloniki's GDP saw an average growth rate of 4.1% per annum (ranging from +14.5% in 1996 to −11.1% in 2005) while in 2011 the economy contracted by −7.8%.<ref name="Eurostat GDPs"/>

==Demographics==

===Historical ethnic statistics===

The tables below show the ethnic statistics of Thessaloniki during the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!colspan="2"|Total Population
!colspan="2"|Jewish
!colspan="2"|Turkish
!colspan="2"|Greek
!colspan="2"|Bulgarians
!colspan="2"|Roma
!colspan="2"|Other
|- align="right"
|align="left"|1890<ref name=19thcen/>
|118,000
|100%
|55,000
|47%
|26,000
|22%
|16,000
|14%
|10,000
|8%
|2,500
|2%
|8,500
|7%
|- align="right"
|align="left"|Around 1913<ref name=20thcen/>
|157,889
|100%
|61,439
|39%
|45,889
|29%
|39,956
|25%
|6,263
|4%
|2,721
|2%
|1,621
|1%
|}

===Population growth===
{{Historical populations
|title = Population
|type = none
|align = right
|width = 320px
|state = collapsed
|shading = on
|percentages = off
|footnote = From 2001 on, data on the city's metropolitan area.<br />References:<ref name="The Balkans"/><ref name=Gerolympos/><ref name="2011census"/><ref name="Sieur de la Croix population">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p6vdPgAACAAJ&q=%CE%97+%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7+%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD+%CE%A0%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B7%CE%B3%CE%B7%CF%84%CF%8E%CE%BD |title=Personal Journals |author=Sieur de la Croix |year=1679 |publisher=Εταιρία Μακεδονικών Σπουδών |language=el |access-date=2 August 2011 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031539/https://books.google.com/books?id=p6vdPgAACAAJ&q=%CE%97+%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7+%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD+%CE%A0%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B7%CE%B3%CE%B7%CF%84%CF%8E%CE%BD |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Molho">Molho, Rena. [http://www.jmth.gr/web/thejews/pages/pages/history/pages/his.htm The Jerusalem of the Balkans: Salonica 1856–1919] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226001725/http://www.jmth.gr/web/thejews/pages/pages/history/pages/his.htm |date=26 December 2008 }} ''The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki''. URL accessed 10 July 2006.</ref><ref name=pop>{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gr/Main_eng.asp |title=Population of Greece |work=General Secretariat Of National Statistical Service Of Greece |publisher=www.statistics.gr |access-date=2 August 2007 |year=2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701001022/http://www.statistics.gr/Main_eng.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=1 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DP4UiA4gQNMC&q=population%2520of%2520thessalonica&pg=PA687 |title=Bible Knowledge Commentary |publisher=David C Cook |isbn=978-0-88207-812-0 |editor-last=Walvoord |editor-first=John. F. |date=1983 |language=en |editor-last2=Zuck |editor-first2=Roy B. |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315032045/https://books.google.com/books?id=DP4UiA4gQNMC&q=population%2520of%2520thessalonica&pg=PA687#v=onepage&q=population%2520of%2520thessalonica&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>
|100|200000
|1348|150000
|1453|40000
|1679|36000
|1842|70000
|1870|90000
|1882|85000
|1890|118000
|1902|126000
|1913|157000
|1917|230000
|1951|297164
|1961|377026
<!-- 1971 is missing -->
|1981|406413
||
|2001|954027
|2011|1030338
|2021|1091424}}

The municipality of Thessaloniki is the most populous in the Thessaloniki Urban Area. Its population has increased in the latest census and the metropolitan area's population rose to over one million. The city forms the base of the [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area]], with latest census in 2021 giving it a population of 1,091,424.<ref name="2011census"/>

{|class="wikitable" style="width:400px;"
|+ '''Population of the Municipality and Metropolitan areas of Thessaloniki'''
! Year !! Municipality !! Metropolitan area !! rank
|-
|2001||363,987<ref name=pop/>||954,027<ref name=pop/>||{{flagicon|GRE}} 2nd
|-
|2011||325,182<ref name="2011census">{{cite web |script-title=el:Απογραφή Πληθυσμού – Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός |trans-title=Detailed census results 2011 |url=http://www.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE/BUCKET/General/resident_population_census2011.xls |publisher=[[Hellenic Statistical Authority]] |format=xls |date=6 September 2013 |access-date=20 February 2015 |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225194213/http://www.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE/BUCKET/General/resident_population_census2011.xls |archive-date=25 December 2013}}</ref>||1,030,338<ref name="2011census" />
|-
|2021||317,778<ref name="2021census">{{cite press release |title=Census 2021 GR |url=https://elstat-outsourcers.statistics.gr/Census2022_GR.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://elstat-outsourcers.statistics.gr/Census2022_GR.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=[[Hellenic Statistical Authority]] |date=19 July 2022 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref>||1,091,424{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}||{{flagicon|GRE}} 2nd
|}

===Jews of Thessaloniki===
{{Main|History of the Jews in Thessaloniki{{!}}History of the Jews of Thessaloniki}}
[[File:Diaspora salonika.svg|thumb|upright=1.1|Paths of Jewish immigration to the city]]
<!-- the following is a SUMMARY of the main article "Jews of Thessaloniki." Please ensure that material is in there FIRST. If it is there already, there may be a reason it wasn't summarized HERE. Please discuss before inserting. -->
{{more citations needed|date=February 2019}}

The Jewish population in Greece is the oldest in mainland Europe (see [[Romaniote Jews|Romaniotes]]). When [[Paul the Apostle]] came to Thessaloniki, he taught in the area of what today is called ''Upper City''. Later, during the Ottoman period, with the coming of Sephardic Jews from Spain, the community of Thessaloniki became mostly Sephardic. Thessaloniki became the largest centre in Europe of the [[Sephardic Jews]], who nicknamed the city ''la madre de Israel'' (Israel's mother)<ref name="Holocaust"/> and "Jerusalem of the Balkans".<ref>Abrams, Dennis (2009); ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=YkKVeMIMOmoC&dq=sarkozy+jewish&pg=PA26 Nicolas Sarkozy (Modern World Leaders)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407070823/https://books.google.com/books?id=YkKVeMIMOmoC&dq=sarkozy+jewish&pg=PA26 |date=7 April 2023 }}'', Chelsea House Publishers, p. 26, Library Binding edition, {{ISBN|1-60413-081-4}}</ref> It also included the historically significant and ancient Greek-speaking [[Romaniote Jews|Romaniote]] community. During the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] era, Thessaloniki's Sephardic community was half of the population according to the Ottoman Census of 1902 and almost 40% the city's population of 157,000 about 1913; Jewish merchants were prominent in commerce until the ethnic Greek population increased after Thessaloniki was incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece in 1913. By the 1680s, about 300 families of Sephardic Jews, followers of [[Sabbatai Zevi]], had converted to [[Islam]], becoming a sect known as the ''[[Dönmeh]]'' (convert), and migrated to Salonika, whose population was majority Jewish. They established an active community that thrived for about 250 years. Many of their descendants later became prominent in trade.<ref>Kirsch, Adam [http://www.tnr.com/book/review/the-other-secret-jews ''The Other Secret Jews''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217043805/http://www.tnr.com/book/review/the-other-secret-jews |date=17 February 2010 }} – Review of Marc David Baer's ''The Dönme: Jewish Converts, Muslim Revolutionaries, and Secular Turks'', ''The New Republic'', 15 February 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2010.</ref> Many Jewish inhabitants of Thessaloniki spoke [[Judaeo-Spanish|Judeo-Spanish]], the [[Romance languages|Romance language]] of the Sephardic Jews.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kushner |first=Aviya |title=Is the language of Sephardic Jews, undergoing a revival? |url=http://www.myjewishlearning.com/culture/2/Languages/Other_Jewish_Languages/Ladino/Today.shtml |work=My Jewish Learning |publisher=Ladino Today |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-date=1 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501014554/http://www.myjewishlearning.com/culture/2/Languages/Other_Jewish_Languages/Ladino/Today.shtml |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Jews of Salonika-1917.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Jewish family of Salonika in 1917]]

From the second half of the 19th century with the Ottoman reforms, the Jewish community had a new revival. Many French and especially [[Italian Jews]] (from [[Livorno]] and other cities), influential in introducing new methods of education and developing new schools and intellectual environments for the Jewish population, were established in Thessaloniki. Such modernists introduced also new techniques and ideas from the industrialised Western Europe and from the 1880s the city began to industrialize. The Italian-Jewish Allatini brothers led Jewish entrepreneurship, establishing [[Mill (grinding)|milling]] and other food industries, [[brick]]making and processing plants for [[tobacco]]. Several traders supported the introduction of a large textile-production industry, superseding the weaving of cloth in a system of artisanal production. Notable names of the era include among others the Italo-Jewish Modiano family and the [[Allatini (company)|Allatini]]. [[Benrubi SA|Benrubis]] founded also in 1880 one of the first retail companies in the Balkans.

After the [[Balkan Wars]], Thessaloniki was incorporated into the [[Kingdom of Greece]] in 1913. At first, the community feared that the annexation would lead to difficulties and during the first years its political stance was, in general, anti-[[Venizelism|Venizelist]] and pro-royalist/conservative. The [[Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917]] during [[World War I]] burned much of the centre of the city and left 50,000 Jews homeless of the total of 72,000 residents who were burned out.<ref name="History"/> Having lost homes and their businesses, many Jews emigrated to the United States, Palestine, and Paris. They could not wait for the government to create a new urban plan for rebuilding, which was eventually done.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Great Fire in Salonica |url=http://www.mlahanas.de/Greece/History/GreatFireInSalonica1917.html |work=Greece History |publisher=Hellenica Website |access-date=9 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018013408/http://www.mlahanas.de/Greece/History/GreatFireInSalonica1917.html |archive-date=18 October 2011 }}</ref>

After the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)|Greco-Turkish War]] in 1922 and the bilateral population exchange between Greece and Turkey, many refugees came to Greece. Nearly 100,000 ethnic Greeks resettled in Thessaloniki, reducing the proportion of Jews in the total community. After this, Jews made up about 20% of the city's population. During the interwar period, Greece granted Jewish citizens the same [[civil rights]] as other Greek citizens.<ref name="History"/> In March 1926, Greece re-emphasized that all citizens of Greece enjoyed equal rights, and a considerable proportion of the city's Jews decided to stay. During the [[Metaxas regime]], the stance towards Jews improved even more.

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R99237, Griechenland, Saloniki, antijüdisches Plakat.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|"Jews not welcomed" sign during the [[Axis occupation of Greece during World War II|Axis occupation]]]]
[[File:Monastir Synagogue.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Monastir Synagogue (Thessaloniki)|Monastir Synagogue]]]]

[[World War II]] brought disaster for the Jewish Greeks, since in 1941 the Germans occupied Greece and began actions against the Jewish population. Greeks of the [[Greek resistance|Resistance]] helped save some of the Jewish residents.<ref name="Holocaust"/> By the 1940s, the great majority of the Jewish Greek community firmly identified as both Greek and Jewish. According to [[Misha Glenny]], such Greek Jews had largely not encountered "anti-Semitism as in its North European form."<ref>Misha Glenny, ''The Balkans'', p.&nbsp;512.</ref>

In 1943, the Nazis began brutal actions against the historic Jewish population in Thessaloniki, forcing them into a [[ghetto]] near the railroad lines and beginning [[deportation]] to concentration and labor camps. They deported and exterminated approximately 94% of Thessaloniki's Jews of all ages during [[the Holocaust]].<ref name="Holocaust2">[http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/greece/nonflash/eng/salonika.htm www.ushmm.org "Jewish Community in Greece"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506235802/http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/greece/nonflash/eng/salonika.htm |date=6 May 2009 }}, Online Exhibit, US Holocaust Museum. Retrieved 29 December 2010.</ref> The Thessaloniki [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] memorial in Eleftherias ("Freedom") Square was built in 1997 in memory of all the Jewish people from Thessaloniki murdered in the Holocaust. The site was chosen because it was the place where Jewish residents were rounded up before embarking on trains for concentration camps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holocaust Memorial/The Shoah Monument (Thessaloniki) |url=http://wikimapia.org/3909735/Holocaust-Memorial-The-Shoah-Monument |publisher=wikimapia |access-date=15 September 2012 |archive-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912051512/http://wikimapia.org/3909735/Holocaust-Memorial-The-Shoah-Monument |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Thessaloniki Holocaust Memorial |url=http://www.memorialmuseums.org/eng/staettens/view/584/Thessaloniki-Holocaust-Memorial |publisher=Stiftung Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas |access-date=15 September 2012 |archive-date=9 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109022317/http://www.memorialmuseums.org/eng/staettens/view/584/Thessaloniki-Holocaust-Memorial |url-status=live }}</ref> Today, a community of around 1,200 remains in the city.<ref name="Holocaust"/> Communities of descendants of Thessaloniki Jews&nbsp;– both Sephardic and Romaniote&nbsp;– live in other areas, mainly the United States and Israel.<ref name="Holocaust2"/> Israeli singer [[Yehuda Poliker]] recorded a song about the Jewish people of Thessaloniki, called "Wait for me, Thessaloniki".

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Total <br />population
! Jewish <br />population
! Jewish <br />percentage
! Source<ref name="History"/>
|-
|1842
|style="text-align:right;"|70,000
|style="text-align:right;"|36,000
|style="text-align:right;"|51%
|[[Jakob Philipp Fallmerayer]]
|-
|1870
|style="text-align:right;"|90,000
|style="text-align:right;"|50,000
|style="text-align:right;"|56%
|Greek schoolbook (G.K. Moraitopoulos, 1882)
|-
|1882/84
|style="text-align:right;"|85,000
|style="text-align:right;"|48,000
|style="text-align:right;"|56%
|Ottoman government census
|-
|1902
|style="text-align:right;"|126,000
|style="text-align:right;"|62,000
|style="text-align:right;"|49%
|Ottoman government census
|-
|1913
|style="text-align:right;"|157,889
|style="text-align:right;"|61,439
|style="text-align:right;"|39%
|Greek government census
|-
|1917
|style="text-align:right;"|271,157
|style="text-align:right;"|52,000
|style="text-align:right;"|19%
|<ref>J. Nehama, ''Histoire des Israélites de Salonique,'' t. VI-VII, Thessalonique 1978, p.&nbsp;765 (via [[:el:Μεγάλη πυρκαγιά της Θεσσαλονίκης 1917#cite note-2|Greek Wikipedia]]): the population was inflated because of refugees from the First World War</ref>
|-
|1943
|style="text-align:right;"|
|style="text-align:right;"|50,000
|style="text-align:right;"|
|
|-
|2000
|style="text-align:right;"|363,987<ref name="pop"/>
|style="text-align:right;"|1,000
|style="text-align:right;"|0.27%
|
|}

===Others===
{{more citations needed|date=February 2019}}
Since the late 19th century, many merchants from Western Europe (mainly from France and Italy) were established in the city. They had an important role in the social and economic life of the city and introduced new industrial techniques. Their main district was what is known today as the "Frankish district" (near [[Ladadika]]), where the Catholic church designed by [[Vitaliano Poselli]] is also situated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/847064/article/politismos/polh/ekato-xronia-filo3enias |title=Εκατό χρόνια φιλοξενίας |date=25 January 2016 |access-date=19 April 2019 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419094521/http://www.kathimerini.gr/847064/article/politismos/polh/ekato-xronia-filo3enias |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://parallaximag.gr/thessaloniki/i-architektoniki-istoria-tou-fragkoma |title=Η αρχιτεκτονικη ιστορία του Φραγκομαχαλά |work=Parallaxi Magazine |date=27 May 2015 |access-date=19 April 2019 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419094524/https://parallaximag.gr/thessaloniki/i-architektoniki-istoria-tou-fragkoma |url-status=live }}</ref> A part of them left after the incorporation of the city into the Greek kingdom, while others, who were of Jewish faith, were exterminated by the [[Nazis]].

The [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]] community of the city increased during the late 19th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bnr.bg/el/post/100991207 |title=Οι Βούλγαροι στη Θεσσαλονίκη |access-date=23 May 2019 |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523181726/https://bnr.bg/el/post/100991207 |url-status=live }}</ref> The community had a Men's High School, a Girl's High School, a trade union and a gymnastics society. A large part of them were Catholics, as a result of actions by the [[Congregation of the Mission|Lazarists]] society, which had its base in the city.

Another group is the [[Armenians|Armenian]] community which dates back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. During the 20th century, after the [[Armenian genocide]] and the defeat of the Greek army in the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–22)]], many fled to Greece including Thessaloniki. There is also an Armenian cemetery and an Armenian church at the centre of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://parallaximag.gr/thessaloniki/chartis-tis-polis/i-thessaloniki-palia-i-panagia-ton-arme |title=Η Παναγία των Αρμενίων |work=Parallaxi Magazine |date=10 November 2012 |access-date=19 April 2019 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419094522/https://parallaximag.gr/thessaloniki/chartis-tis-polis/i-thessaloniki-palia-i-panagia-ton-arme |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Culture==
{{more citations needed|date=February 2019}}

===Leisure and entertainment===
[[File:North Greece National Theatre - panoramio.jpg|thumb|200px|The building of the ''Society of Macedonian studies'', seat of the [[National Theatre of Northern Greece]]]]

Thessaloniki is regarded not only as the cultural and entertainment capital of northern Greece<ref name="AUTH 2"/><ref name="Lonely Planet guide">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781742200002 |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781742200002/page/280 280] |quote=Thessaloniki. |title=Greece |author1=Korina Miller |author2=Kate Armstrong |author3=Michael Stamatios Clark |author4=Chris Deliso |year=2010 |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |access-date=13 August 2011 |isbn=9781742203423}}</ref> but also the cultural capital of the country as a whole.<ref name="Lonely Planet Thessaloniki"/> The city's main theaters, run by the [[National Theatre of Northern Greece]] ({{Langx|el|Κρατικό Θέατρο Βορείου Ελλάδος}}) which was established in 1961,<ref name="NTNG">[http://www.ntng.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&page=3 'History', National Theater of Northern Greece website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408065309/http://www.ntng.gr/Default.aspx?lang=el-GR&page=3 |date=8 April 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> include the ''Theater of the Society of Macedonian Studies'', where the National Theater is based, the ''Royal Theater'' ({{Lang|el|Βασιλικό Θέατρο}}) - the first base of the National Theater - ''Moni Lazariston'', and the ''Earth Theater'' and ''Forest Theater'', both amphitheatrical open-air theatres overlooking the city.<ref name="NTNG"/>

[[File:Thessaloniki Concert Hall sea.png|thumb|[[Thessaloniki Concert Hall]]]]
The title of the [[European Capital of Culture]] in 1997 saw the birth of the city's first opera<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.music.columbia.edu/~icmc97/polpot.html |title=Cultural Capital |publisher=Music.columbia.edu |access-date=6 May 2009 |archive-date=26 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626002450/http://music.columbia.edu/~icmc97/polpot.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and today forms an independent section of the [[National Theatre of Northern Greece]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Όπερα Θεσσαλονίκης |url=http://www.ntng.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&page=6 |publisher=Ntng.gr |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-date=8 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408065324/http://www.ntng.gr/Default.aspx?lang=el-GR&page=6 |url-status=live }}</ref> The opera is based at the [[Thessaloniki Concert Hall]], one of the largest concert halls in Greece. Recently a second building was also constructed and designed by Japanese architect [[Arata Isozaki]]. Thessaloniki is also the seat of two symphony orchestras, the ''[[Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra]]'' and the ''Symphony Orchestra of the Municipality of Thessaloniki''.
''Olympion Theater'', the site of the [[Thessaloniki International Film Festival]] and the ''Plateia Assos Odeon multiplex'' are the two major cinemas in downtown Thessaloniki. The city also has a number of multiplex cinemas in major shopping malls in the suburbs, most notably in [[Mediterranean Cosmos]], the largest retail and entertainment development in the Balkans.

Thessaloniki is renowned for its major shopping streets and lively laneways. [[Tsimiski Street|Tsimiski Avenue]], Mitropoleos Ave and Proxenou Koromila Street are the city's most famous shopping streets and are among Greece's most expensive and exclusive high streets. The city is also home to one of Greece's most famous and prestigious hotels, [[Makedonia Palace]] 5-star hotel, the Hyatt Regency Casino Thessaloniki and hotel (the biggest casino in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe) and Waterland, the largest water park in southeastern Europe.

The city has long been known in Greece for its vibrant city culture, including having the most cafes and bars per capita of any city in Europe; and as having some of the best nightlife and entertainment in the country, thanks to its large young population and multicultural feel. [[Lonely Planet]] listed Thessaloniki among the world's "ultimate party cities".<ref>{{cite web |author=Greg Elms |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/canada/travel-tips-and-articles/39339 |title=Ultimate Party Cities – Lonely Planet |publisher=Lonelyplanet.com |date=15 June 2012 |access-date=11 March 2012 |archive-date=29 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229092200/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/canada/travel-tips-and-articles/39339 |url-status=live }}</ref> Restaurant and bar areas include the [[Ladadika]] area near the port, Nikis Avenue on the waterfront, the alleyways between [[Agias Sofias Square]] and Aristotelous Square, the waterfront of [[Kalamaria|Kalamarià]] neighbourhood, and the [[Heptapyrgion (Thessaloniki)|Eptapirgio]] neighbourhood overlooking the city.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

===Parks and recreation===
[[File:Aretsou.jpg|thumb|Marina of [[Nea Aretsou|Aretsou]]]]
[[File:Peraia view.jpg|thumb|Part of the coastline of the southeastern suburb of [[Peraia, Thessaloniki|Peraia]] on the [[Thermaic Gulf]], with views towards Thessaloniki]]
Although Thessaloniki is not renowned for its parks and greenery throughout its urban area, where green spaces are few, it has several large open spaces around its waterfront, namely the central city gardens of ''Palios Zoologikos Kipos'' (which is recently being redeveloped to also include rock climbing facilities, a new skatepark and paintball range),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://voria.gr/index.php?module=news&func=display&sid=60907 |script-title=el:Χώρος άθλησης και ψυχαγωγίας το πάρκο της ΧΑΝΘ |language=el |publisher=www.voria.gr |date=22 August 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101211258/http://voria.gr/index.php?module=news&func=display&sid=60907 |archive-date=1 November 2011 }}</ref> the park of ''Pedion tou Areos'', which also holds the city's annual floral expo; and the parks of the Renowned ''Nea Paralia'' (Restructured waterfront) spanning for {{cvt|3|km|0}} along the coast, beginning from the [[White Tower of Thessaloniki|White Tower]] to the [[Thessaloniki Concert Hall|concert hall]].

The ''Nea Paralia'' parks are used throughout the year for a variety of events, while they open up to the Thessaloniki waterfront, which is lined with several cafés and bars; and during summer is full of Thessalonians enjoying their long evening walks (referred to as ''"volta"'' or ''“kafès”'' and is embedded into the culture of the city). Having undergone an extensive revitalization, the city's waterfront today features a total of '''<u>''12 thematic gardens/parks.''</u>'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=4&artid=111206 |script-title=el:Θεσσαλονίκη: Η νέα κατάφυτη παραλία θα έχει αμμουδιά, σιντριβάνια, λόφο και ελαιώνα σε ξερολιθιές |language=el |publisher=www.agelioforos.gr |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323031414/http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=4&artid=111206 |archive-date=23 March 2012 }}</ref>

Thessaloniki's proximity to places such as the national parks of [[Pieria (regional unit)|Pieria]] and beaches of [[Chalkidiki]] often allow its residents to easily have access to some of the best outdoor recreation in Europe; however, the city is also right next to the ''[[Seih Sou|Séih Su]]'' national park, just {{cvt|3.5|km|0}} away from Thessaloniki's city centre; and offers residents and visitors alike, quiet viewpoints towards the city, mountain bike trails and landscaped hiking paths.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seihsou.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=32 |script-title=el:Σεϊχ Σου |language=el |publisher=www.seihsou.gr |access-date=16 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113050610/http://www.seihsou.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=32 |archive-date=13 November 2010 }}</ref> The city's [[zoo]], which is operated by the municipality of Thessaloniki, is also located nearby the national park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/TexnikesYpiresies/DnsiPrasinou/TmimaMeletwnEktelesisErgwn/zoo |script-title=el:Ζωολογικός Κήπος |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427054827/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/TexnikesYpiresies/DnsiPrasinou/TmimaMeletwnEktelesisErgwn/zoo |archive-date=27 April 2013 }}</ref>

Other recreation spaces throughout the [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area]] include the ''Fragma Thermis'', a landscaped parkland near [[Thermi]] and the Delta wetlands west of the city centre; while urban beaches of Peréa, Nea Mihaniona and Ayia Triada, continuously awarded with the [[Blue Flag beach|Blue Flag beach award]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.typosthes.gr/component/content/article/23-last24hours/9476-2011-06-10-20-25-49 |title=Κολυμπώντας σε βραβευμένες και απόλυτα καθαρές παραλίες&nbsp;... |language=el |publisher=www.typosthes.gr |date=12 June 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402120136/http://www.typosthes.gr/component/content/article/23-last24hours/9476-2011-06-10-20-25-49 |archive-date=2 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> are located along the {{cvt|10|km|0}} coastline of Thessaloniki's southeastern suburbs of [[Thermaikos|Thermaikos gulf]], about {{cvt|20|km|0}} away from the city centre.

===Museums and galleries===
{{Main|List of museums in Greece}}
[[File:Macedonian Museums-88-Arx Byz Thessaloniknhs-391.jpg|thumb|View of the [[Museum of Byzantine Culture]]]]
[[File:ByzantiummuseumThessalonikiIMG 201710.jpg|thumb|180x180px|The Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki]]

Because of the city's rich and diverse history, Thessaloniki houses many museums dealing with many different eras in history. Two of the city's most famous museums include the [[Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki|National Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki]] and the [[Museum of Byzantine Culture|Byzantine Culture Museum of Thessaloniki]].
[[File:Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum Head of Isis.jpg|thumb|Head of Isis, Archaeological Museum, Thessaloniki. Early 3rd century BC (2021).]]
The [[Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki]], situated in Manolis Andronikos Street–ad honorem of the famous archaeologist that excavated Royal Palaces of the Macedonian Kingdom specifically King Phillip II's tomb, was established in 1962 and houses some of the most important [[Macedon|ancient Macedonian]] artifacts,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.amth.gr/english/vr_museum_2_makedonia.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117082211/http://www.amth.gr/english/vr_museum_2_makedonia.html |url-status=dead |title=In Macedonia from the 7th c. BC until late antiquity |archive-date=17 November 2011 |access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref> including an extensive collection of golden artwork from the royal palaces of [[Aegae (Macedon)|Aigai]] and [[Pella]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.amth.gr/english/vr_museum_2_xrusos.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117082459/http://www.amth.gr/english/vr_museum_2_xrusos.html |url-status=dead |title=The Gold of Macedon |archive-date=17 November 2011 |access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref> It also houses exhibits from [[Macedon]]'s prehistoric past, dating from the [[Neolithic age|Neolithic]] to the [[Bronze Age]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.amth.gr/english/vr_museum_2_proistoria.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102181204/http://www.amth.gr/english/vr_museum_2_proistoria.html |url-status=dead |title=5,000, 15,000, 200,000 years ago&nbsp;... An exhibition about prehistoric life in Macedonia |archive-date=2 November 2011 |access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref>

The [[Museum of Byzantine Culture]] is one of the city's most famous museums, showcasing the city's glorious [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] past.<ref>[http://www.mbp.gr/html/en/mu_mouseio.htm About the Museum] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721081808/http://www.mbp.gr/html/en/mu_mouseio.htm |date=21 July 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> The museum was also awarded [[Council of Europe]]'s museum prize in 2005.<ref>[http://www.mbp.gr/html/gr/nea_vraveio.htm Award of the Council of Europe to the Museum of Byzantine Culture] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721081816/http://www.mbp.gr/html/gr/nea_vraveio.htm |date=21 July 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> The museum of the [[White Tower of Thessaloniki]] houses a series of galleries relating to the city's past, from the creation of the [[White Tower of Thessaloniki|White Tower]] until recent years.<ref>[http://www.lpth.org/en/ Introduction video of the White Tower Museum] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126180435/http://www.lpth.org/en/ |date=26 January 2011 }}</ref>

One of the most modern museums in the city is the [[Thessaloniki Science Centre and Technology Museum]] (''NOESIS'') and is one of the most high-tech museums in Greece and southeastern Europe.<ref name="NOESIS">[http://www.noesis.edu.gr/index.php?action=noesis NOESIS – About the Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121218105420/http://www.noesis.edu.gr/index.php?action=noesis |date=18 December 2012 }} (in Greek)</ref> It features the largest [[planetarium]] in Greece, a cosmotheatre with the country's largest [[flat screen]], an [[amphitheater]], a [[motion simulator]] with 3D projection and 6-axis movement and exhibition spaces.<ref name="NOESIS"/> Other industrial and technological museums in the city include the [[Railway Museum of Thessaloniki]], which houses an original [[Orient Express]] train, the [[War Museum of Thessaloniki]] and others. The city also has a number of educational and sports museums, including the [[Thessaloniki History Centre]] and the [[Thessaloniki Olympic Museum]].

The [[Atatürk Museum (Thessaloniki)|Atatürk Museum]] in Thessaloniki is the historic house where [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]], founder of modern-day Turkey, was born. The house is now part of the Turkish consulate complex, but admission to the museum is free.<ref name="Ataturk">{{cite web |url=http://www.hotelrotonda.com/thessaloniki-city-guide/atatuerk-museum.aspx |title=About Ataturk Museum |publisher=Hotelrotonda.com |access-date=11 March 2012 |archive-date=21 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321081935/http://www.hotelrotonda.com/thessaloniki-city-guide/atatuerk-museum.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref> The museum contains historic information about [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]] and his life, especially while he was in Thessaloniki.<ref name="Ataturk"/> Other ethnological museums of the sort include the [[Historical Museum of the Balkan Wars]], the [[Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki]] and the [[Museum for the Macedonian Struggle (Thessaloniki)|Museum of the Macedonian Struggle]], containing information about the anti-Ottoman rebellions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>[http://www.imma.edu.gr/imma/index.html The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle – Introduction] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721080512/http://www.imma.edu.gr/imma/index.html |date=21 July 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> Construction on the [[Holocaust Museum of Greece]] began in the city in 2018.<ref name="efsyn.gr"/> It is set to open in 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Helena |date=2024-11-03 |title=Eighty years after thousands of Greek Jews were murdered, Thessaloniki's Holocaust museum is finally set to open |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/03/eighty-years-after-thousands-of-greek-jews-were-murdered-thessalonikis-holocaust-museum-is-finally-set-to-open |access-date=2024-11-16 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>

The city also has a number of important art galleries. Such include the [[Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art]], housing exhibitions from a number of well-known [[Greek people|Greek]] and foreign artists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmca.org.gr/mmst/el/collection.htm?m=1 |title=The Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art – List of artists |publisher=Mmca.org.gr |access-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321043854/http://www.mmca.org.gr/mmst/el/collection.htm?m=1 |archive-date=21 March 2012 }}</ref> The [[Teloglion Foundation of Art]] is part of [[Aristotle University of Thessaloniki]] and includes an extensive collection of works by important artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by prominent [[Greek people|Greeks]] and native Thessalonians.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tf.auth.gr/teloglion/default.aspx?lang=en-US&loc=1&page=516 |title=The Teloglion Foundation of Art – The Collection |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074706/http://www.tf.auth.gr/teloglion/default.aspx?lang=en-US&loc=1&page=516 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Thessaloniki Museum of Photography]] also houses a number of important exhibitions, and is located within the old port of Thessaloniki.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thmphoto.gr/index.asp?park=c_list&cns=1&cat=82&lng=en |title=Photography Museum of Thessaloniki – Exhibitions |publisher=Thmphoto.gr |access-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321081937/http://www.thmphoto.gr/index.asp?park=c_list&cns=1&cat=82&lng=en |archive-date=21 March 2012 }}</ref>

===Archaeological sites===
{{see also|Thessaloniki Metro#Archaeology}}
[[File:The Roman forum.jpg|alt=The Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)|thumb|View of the [[Roman Forum (Thessaloniki)|Roman Forum]] (Ancient Agora)]]
Thessaloniki is home to a number of prominent archaeological sites. Apart from its recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Thessaloniki features a large two-terraced [[Roman Forum (Thessaloniki)|Roman forum]]<ref name="Frommer's Greece Forum 1">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t5Gdko3i7BYC&q=thessaloniki+forum&pg=PA611 |title=Frommer's Greece |author1=John S. Bowman |author2=Sherry Marker |author3=Peter Kerasiotis |author4=Rebecca Tobin |date=25 January 2008 |publisher=Frommer's |access-date=5 December 2011 |isbn=9780470260814 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315032053/https://books.google.com/books?id=t5Gdko3i7BYC&q=thessaloniki+forum&pg=PA611 |url-status=live }}</ref> featuring two-storey [[stoa]]s,<ref name="A Guide"/> dug up by accident in the 1960s.<ref name="Frommer's Greece Forum 1"/> The forum complex also boasts two [[Roman baths]],<ref name="A Companion 1">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC&q=thessaloniki+forum&pg=PT275 |title=A Companion to Ancient Macedonia |author1=Joseph Roisman |author2=Ian Worthington |year=2011 |publisher=Wiley-Backwell |access-date=5 December 2011 |isbn=9781444351637 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315032055/https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC&q=thessaloniki+forum&pg=PT275#v=snippet&q=thessaloniki%20forum&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> one of which has been excavated while the other is buried underneath the city.<ref name="A Companion 1"/> The forum also features a small theater,<ref name="Frommer's Greece Forum 1"/><ref name="A Companion 1"/> which was also used for [[gladiatorial games]].<ref name="A Guide"/> Although the initial complex was not built in Roman times, it was largely refurbished in the second century.<ref name="A Companion 1"/> It is believed that the forum and the theater continued to be used until at least the sixth century.<ref name="From Early Roman">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o8f_f04haw8C&q=forum&pg=PA169 |title=From Roman to early Christian Thessalonikē: studies in religion and archaeology |author1=Laura Salah Nasrallah |author2=Charalambos Bakirtzis |author3=Steven J. Friesen |year=2010 |publisher=Harvard College |access-date=5 December 2011 |isbn=9780674053229 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315032020/https://books.google.com/books?id=o8f_f04haw8C&q=forum&pg=PA169#v=snippet&q=forum&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

Another important archaeological site is the imperial palace complex which Roman emperor [[Galerius]], located at [[Navarinou Square]], commissioned when he made Thessaloniki the capital of his portion of the [[Roman Empire]].<ref name="Roman Empire"/><ref name="Roman Empire 2"/> The large octagonal portion of the complex, most of which survives to this day, is believed to have been an imperial throne room.<ref name="A Guide">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=248rXe16v9YC&q=palace+of+galerius&pg=PA136 |title=A guide to biblical sites in Greece and Turkey |author1=Clyde E. Fant |author2=Mitchell Glenn Reddish |year=2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press |access-date=5 December 2011 |isbn=9780195139174 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031928/https://books.google.com/books?id=248rXe16v9YC&q=palace+of+galerius&pg=PA136#v=snippet&q=palace%20of%20galerius&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Various [[mosaic]]s from the palatial complex have also survived.<ref name="The Archaeology">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L5g9AAAAIAAJ&q=palace+of+galerius&pg=PA108 |title=The archeology of the New Testament: the Mediterranean world of the early Christian Apostles |author=Jack Finegan |year=1981 |publisher=Westview Press |access-date=5 December 2011 |isbn=9780709910060 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315031940/https://books.google.com/books?id=L5g9AAAAIAAJ&q=palace+of+galerius&pg=PA108 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some historians believe that the complex must have been in use as an imperial residence until the 11th century.<ref name="From Early Roman"/>

{{Easy CSS image crop|image=Column pedestal with reliefs personifying Rome and, probably, Thessaloniki, 5th cent. (9168356588).jpg|desired_width=220|crop_left_perc=30|crop_right_perc=20|crop_top_perc=20|crop_bottom_perc=25|align=right|Description=A 4th-century Roman column with a female figure in relief, perhaps the personification of Thessalonica.}}

Not far from the palace itself is the [[Arch of Galerius]],<ref name="The Archaeology"/> known colloquially as the ''Kamara''. The arch was built to commemorate the emperor's campaigns against the [[Persia]]ns.<ref name="A Guide"/><ref name="The Archaeology"/> The original structure featured three arches;<ref name="A Guide"/> however, only two full arches and part of the third survive to this day. Many of the arches' marble parts survive as well,<ref name="A Guide"/> although it is mostly the brick interior that can be seen today.

Other monuments of the city's past, such as ''[[Las Incantadas]]'', a [[Caryatid]] portico from the ancient forum, have been removed or destroyed over the years. Las Incantadas in particular are on display at the [[Louvre]].<ref name="Frommer's Greece Forum 1"/><ref name="Skai Incantadas"/> Thanks to a private donation of €180,000, it was announced on 6 December 2011 that a replica of Las Incantadas would be commissioned and later put on display in Thessaloniki.<ref name="Skai Incantadas">{{cite web |author1=Σκαϊ |url=http://www.skai.gr/news/culture/article/188325/thessaloniki-kataskeui-adigrafon-apo-to-louvro/ |script-title=el:Θεσσαλονίκη: Κατασκευή αντιγράφων από το Λούβρο |trans-title=Thessaloniki: Construction of replicas from the Louvre |language=el |date=6 December 2011 |publisher=[[Skai TV]] |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-date=4 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204090748/http://www.skai.gr/news/culture/article/188325/thessaloniki-kataskeui-adigrafon-apo-to-louvro/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The construction of the [[Thessaloniki Metro]] inadvertently started the largest [[Excavation (archaeology)|archaeological dig]] not only of the city, but of [[Northern Greece]]; the dig spans {{cvt|20|sqkm|sqmi}} and has unearthed 300,000 individual artefacts from as early as the [[Roman Empire]] and as late as the [[Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917]].<ref name="am 83 deth">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ametro.gr/?p=13667 |script-title=el:ΑΤΤΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΡΟ: "Το Μέτρο στη πόλη μας" με το πρώτο του βαγόνι. Συμμετοχή της Αττικό Μετρό Α.Ε. στην 83η Δ.Ε.Θ. |website=www.ametro.gr |language=el |trans-title=Attiko Metro: "The Metro in our city" with the first carriage. The participation of Attiko Metro S.A. at the 83rd Thessaloniki International Fair |access-date=8 September 2018 |archive-date=9 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035429/http://www.ametro.gr/?p=13667 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.protagon.gr/epikairotita/thessaloniki-ola-ta-arxaia-pou-anadythikan-mesw-metro-44341572063 |website=www.protagon.gr |script-title=el:Θεσσαλονίκη: Ολα τα αρχαία που αναδύθηκαν μέσω... Μετρό |trans-title=Thessaloniki: All the antiquities that surfaced via... the metro |language=el |access-date=9 September 2018 |archive-date=9 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909073924/https://www.protagon.gr/epikairotita/thessaloniki-ola-ta-arxaia-pou-anadythikan-mesw-metro-44341572063 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ancient Thessaloniki's [[Decumanus Maximus]] was also found and {{convert|75|m|ft}} of the marble-paved and column-lined road were unearthed along with shops, other buildings, and plumbing, prompting one scholar to describe the discovery as "the Byzantine [[Pompeii]]".<ref name="Byzantine Pompeii">{{cite news |author=Giorgos Christides |date=14 March 2013 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21743758 |title=Thessaloniki metro: Ancient dilemma for modern Greece |website=www.bbc.co.uk |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416202648/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21743758 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of the artefacts will be put on display inside the metro stations, while {{metro|Venizelou}} will feature the world's first open [[archaeological site]] located within a metro station.<ref name="Excavations">{{cite web |author=Attiko Metro S.A. |url=http://www.ametro.gr/?page_id=165 |title=Αρχαιολογικές ανασκαφές |trans-title=Archaeological excavations |website=www.ametro.gr |access-date=13 August 2018 |language=el |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514120617/https://www.ametro.gr/?page_id=165 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="you go">{{Cite web |url=https://yougoculture.com/news/first-metro-network-ancient-monuments |title=The first Metro network with ancient monuments |date=16 March 2018 |website=www.yougoculture.com |publisher=[[National and Kapodistrian University of Athens]] |language=en |access-date=11 September 2018 |archive-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225231/https://yougoculture.com/news/first-metro-network-ancient-monuments |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Festivals===
{{Main|Festivals of Thessaloniki}}
[[File:Olympion Cinema Thessaloniki.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Olympion Theatre, seat of the [[Thessaloniki International Film Festival|International Film Festival]]]]
Thessaloniki is home of a number of festivals and events.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thessaloniki Festivals and Events |url=http://visitthessalonikigreece.com/festivals-events/ |website=visitthessalonikigreece.com |access-date=31 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903023134/http://visitthessalonikigreece.com/festivals-events/ |archive-date=3 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Thessaloniki International Fair]] is the most important event to be hosted in the city annually, by means of economic development. It was first established in 1926<ref name="DETH">[https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr/index.php/en/component/k2/item/453-thessaloniki-international-trade-fair Thessaloniki International Fair – History and actions] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721083359/https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr/index.php/en/component/k2/item/453-thessaloniki-international-trade-fair |date=21 July 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> and takes place every year at the {{cvt|180000|m2|ft2}} ''Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre''. The event attracts major political attention and it is customary for the [[Prime Minister of Greece]] to outline his administration's policies for the next year during the event. Over 250,000 visitors attended the exposition in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://issuu.com/helexpo/docs/76tif_el_v1.5?viewMode=presentation&mode=embed |title=Παρουσίαση 76ης Δ.Ε.Θ. |date=26 May 2011 |trans-title=Presentation of the 76th Thessaloniki International Fair |publisher=www.helexpo.gr |access-date=10 August 2011 |archive-date=23 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923161340/http://issuu.com/helexpo/docs/76tif_el_v1.5?viewMode=presentation&mode=embed |url-status=live }}</ref> The new [[Art Thessaloniki]], is starting first time 29.10. – 1 November 2015 as an international contemporary art fair.
The [[International Thessaloniki Film Festival|Thessaloniki International Film Festival]] is established as one of the most important film festivals in [[Southern Europe]],<ref>[http://www.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=1&page=586 Thessaloniki International Film Festival – Profile] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905090357/http://www.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=1&page=586 |date=5 September 2015 }} (in Greek)</ref> with a number of notable filmmakers such as [[Francis Ford Coppola]], [[Faye Dunaway]], [[Catherine Deneuve]], [[Irene Papas]] and [[Fatih Akın]] taking part, and was established in 1960.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=1&page=591 |title=List of posters |publisher=Filmfestival.gr |access-date=11 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313022519/http://www.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=1&page=591 |archive-date=13 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Thessaloniki Documentary Festival|Documentary Festival]], founded in 1999, has focused on documentaries that explore global social and cultural developments, with many of the films presented being candidates for [[FIPRESCI]] and Audience Awards.<ref>[http://tdf.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=10&page=940 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival – Awards] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312142451/http://tdf.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=10&page=940 |date=12 March 2011 }} {{in lang|el}}</ref>

The Dimitria festival, founded in 1966 and named after the city's [[patron saint]] of [[St. Demetrius]], has focused on a wide range of events including music, theatre, dance, local happenings, and exhibitions.<ref>[http://www.dimitriathess.gr/ Dimitria Festival official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625113245/http://www.dimitriathess.gr/? |date=25 June 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> The [[DMC World DJ Championships|DMC DJ Championship]] has been hosted at the International Trade Fair of Thessaloniki, has become a worldwide event for aspiring DJs and turntablists. The International Festival of Photography has taken place every February to mid-April.<ref>[http://www.culturenow.gr/photography/Contrast:_%CE%A4%CE%BF_%CE%A6%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BB_%CE%A6%CF%89%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7%CF%82_%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CF%8E%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%B9_.html Article on Culturenow] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218230155/http://www.culturenow.gr/photography/Contrast:_%CE%A4%CE%BF_%CE%A6%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BB_%CE%A6%CF%89%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7%CF%82_%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CF%8E%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%B9_.html |date=18 December 2010 }} (in Greek)</ref> Exhibitions for the event are sited in museums, heritage landmarks, galleries, bookshops and cafés. Thessaloniki also holds an annual International Book Fair.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Exhibition |url=http://www.thessalonikibookfair.com/2010/en_ekthesi.html |publisher=The Thessaloniki Book Fair |access-date=9 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717034456/http://www.thessalonikibookfair.com/2010/en_ekthesi.html |archive-date=17 July 2011 }}</ref>

Between 1962–1997 and 2005–2008, the city also hosted the [[Thessaloniki Song Festival]],<ref name="corner">{{cite web |url=http://www.musiccorner.gr/news/events/06/festival/01.html |title=ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΤΡΑΓΟΥΔΙΟΥ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ |author=Tasos Kritsiolis |date=2 November 2006 |publisher=www.musiccorner.gr |access-date=10 August 2011 |archive-date=15 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415031829/http://www.musiccorner.gr/news/events/06/festival/01.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Greece's most important music festival, at [[Alexandreio Melathron Nikos Galis Hall|Alexandreio Melathron]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alexandreiomelathron.gr/ |title=Αλεξάνδρειο Αθλητικό Μέλαθρον |publisher=www.alexandreiomelathron.gr |access-date=10 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219123345/http://www.alexandreiomelathron.gr/ |archive-date=19 December 2011}}</ref>

In 2012, the city hosted its first [[pride parade]], ''Thessaloniki Pride'', which took place between 22 and 23 June.<ref name="thessalonikipride">{{cite web |url=http://www.thessalonikipride.gr/?q=el/pride2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206154750/http://thessalonikipride.gr/?q=el%2Fpride2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 December 2013 |title=Thessaloniki Pride 2012 &#124; Thessaloniki Pride |publisher=thessalonikipride.gr |access-date=7 December 2014 }}</ref> It has been held every year ever since, however in 2013 [[transgender]] people participating in the parade became victims of [[police brutality]]. The issue was soon settled by the government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grreporter.info/en/transgender_persons_thessaloniki_become_victims_police_violence/9400#sthash.DTZuhKOk.dpuf |title=Transgender persons in Thessaloniki become victims of police violence |publisher=Grreporter.info |access-date=19 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120000331/http://www.grreporter.info/en/transgender_persons_thessaloniki_become_victims_police_violence/9400#sthash.DTZuhKOk.dpuf |archive-date=20 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The city's [[Greek Orthodox Church]] leadership has consistently rallied against the event, but mayor Boutaris sided with ''Thessaloniki Pride'', with Thessaloniki also hosting [[EuroPride]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://epoa.eu/europride/europride-2020-thessaloniki/ |title=EuroPride 2020 – Thessaloniki |website=www.epoa.eu |publisher=European Pride Organisers Association |language=en |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809050534/http://epoa.eu/europride/europride-2020-thessaloniki/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 1998, the city host Thessaloniki International G.L.A.D. Film Festival, the first LGBT film festival in Greece.

===Sports===
[[File:Kaftanzoglio west stand.jpg|thumb|[[Kaftanzoglio Stadium|Kaftanzoglio National Stadium]]]]
The main stadium of the city is the [[Kaftanzoglio Stadium|Kaftanzoglio National Stadium]] (also home ground of [[Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki)|Iraklis F.C.]]) constructed by donating funds of Thessalonian Jurist, Diplomat and Filanthropist Lysimachos Kaftantzoglou, while other main stadiums of the city include the football [[Toumba Stadium]] and [[Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium]] home grounds of [[PAOK FC]] and [[Aris Thessaloniki F.C.|Aris F.C.]], respectively, all of whom are founding members of the [[Super League Greece|Greek league]].

Being the largest "multi-sport" stadium in the city and in Greece until the construction of the [[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Olympic Stadium “ ''Spìros Louis'' ”]] in Athens, [[Kaftanzoglio Stadium]] regularly plays host to [[athletics (sport)|athletics]] events; such as the [[European Athletics Association]] event "Olympic Meeting Thessaloniki" every year; it has hosted the National Greek Cup in 2009 and has been used for [[athletics at the Mediterranean Games]] and for the [[European Cup (athletics)|European Cup in athletics]]. In 2004, the stadium served as an official [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens 2004]] venue,<ref>[http://www.stadia.gr/2004-gr.html List of Athens 2004 venues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514190617/http://www.stadia.gr/2004-gr.html |date=14 May 2011 }} (in Greek)</ref> while in 2009 the city and the stadium hosted the [[2009 IAAF World Athletics Final]].

Thessaloniki's major indoor arenas include the state-owned [[Alexandreio Melathron Nikos Galis Hall|Alexandreio Melathron]] officially known as Nick Gallis Hall commemorating Nikos (Nick) Gallis the greatest Greek basketball player and by many accredited of making basketball commonly famous, [[P.A.O.K. Sports Arena]] in the Urban area of Kalamarià, home of the omonymous basketball team and venue of numerous music concerts, events and festivals, as well the [[YMCA]] (Youth Men's Christian Association) indoor hall. Other sporting clubs in the city include [[Apollon Pontou FC|Apollon FC]] based in [[Kalamaria]], [[Agrotikos Asteras F.C.]] based in [[Evosmos]] and YMCA. Thessaloniki has a rich sporting history with its teams winning the first ever panhellenic [[association football|football]] championship (Aris FC),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.galanissportsdata.com/football/national/season2008_09/history.asp |title=Galanis Sports Data |publisher=Galanissportsdata.com |access-date=5 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212033955/http://www.galanissportsdata.com/football/national/Season2008_09/history.asp |archive-date=12 December 2008 }}</ref> [[basketball]] (Iraklis BC),<ref name="galanissportsdata.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.galanissportsdata.com/basketball/mena1/season2007_08/history.asp |title=Galanis Sports Data |publisher=Galanissportsdata.com |access-date=5 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014192701/http://www.galanissportsdata.com/Basketball/MenA1/Season2007_08/history.asp |archive-date=14 October 2008 }}</ref> and [[water polo]] (AC Aris)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.pathfinder.gr/other-sports/polo/615322.html |title=Κόκκινος Ποσειδώνας: Πρωταθλητής Ελλάδας στο πόλο ο Ολυμπιακός για 21η φορά στην ιστορία του! – Pathfinder Sports |publisher=Sports.pathfinder.gr |date=3 May 2008 |access-date=5 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105010403/http://sports.pathfinder.gr/other-sports/polo/615322.html |archive-date=5 January 2009 }}</ref> tournaments.

During recent years, [[PAOK FC]] has emerged as the strongest football club of the city, winning also the Greek championship without a defeat ([[2018–19 Super League Greece|2018–19 season]]), as well as 2023–24 season

The city played a major role in the development of basketball in Greece. The local YMCA was the first to introduce the sport to the country, while [[G.S. Iraklis B.C.|Iraklis B.C.]] won the first ever Greek championship.<ref name="galanissportsdata.com"/> From 1982 to 1993 [[Aris B.C.]] dominated the league, regularly finishing in first place. In that period Aris won a total of 9 championships, 7 cups and one European Cup Winners' Cup. The city also hosted the [[2003 FIBA Under-19 World Championship]] in which Greece came third. In volleyball, [[Iraklis V.C. (Thessaloniki)|Iraklis]] has emerged since 2000 as one of the most successful teams in Greece<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.contra.gr/Volleyball/Hellas/A1Volley/Panathinaikos_Iraklis/196958.html |title=Άξιος πρωταθλητής ο Ηρακλής – Παναθηναϊκός, Ηρακλής – Contra.gr |publisher=Contra.gr |access-date=5 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103072509/http://www.contra.gr/Volleyball/Hellas/A1Volley/Panathinaikos_Iraklis/196958.html |archive-date=3 January 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Europe – see [[2005–06 CEV Champions League]].<ref>{{cite news |author=magic moving pixel s.a. |url=http://www.cev.lu/mmp/online/website/main_menu/volleyball/european_cups/indesit/119/6470/5881/5883/4260_EN.html |title=F-004 – TOURS VB vs Iraklis THESSALONIKI |publisher=Cev.lu |date=27 March 2005 |access-date=5 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516081547/http://www.cev.lu/mmp/online/website/main_menu/volleyball/european_cups/indesit/119/6470/5881/5883/4260_EN.html |archive-date=16 May 2008}}</ref> In October 2007, Thessaloniki also played host to the first Southeastern European Games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seegames2007.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526210032/http://www.seegames2007.org/site.php?&file=index.xml&lang=el |url-status=dead |title=See Games |archive-date=26 May 2008 |access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref>

The city is also the finish point of the annual [[Alexander The Great Marathon]], which starts at [[Pella]], in recognition of its Ancient Macedonian heritage.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.alexanderthegreatmarathon.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=40&lang=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702080028/http://www.alexanderthegreatmarathon.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=40&lang=en |url-status=dead |title=Presentation |archive-date=2 July 2015 |access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref>
There are also aquatic and athletic complexes such as ''Ethniko'' and ''Poseidonio''.
{|class="wikitable"
|+Main sports clubs in Thessaloniki
|-
!Club
!Founded
!Venue
!Capacity
!Notes
|-
|rowspan=2|[[G.S. Iraklis (Thessaloniki)|GS Iraklis]]
|rowspan=2|1908<br /><small>(originally as Macedonikos Gymnasticos Syllogos)</small>
|[[Kaftanzoglio Stadium|Kaftanzoglio National Stadium]] [[File:Olympic Rings.svg|30px|link=2004 Summer Olympics]]
|27,770
|-
|[[Ivanofeio Sports Arena|Ivanofeio Indoor Hall]]
|
|Panhellenic titles in football, basketball, rugby, volleyball. Volleyball Champions League finalists (3 times)
|-
|[[Maccabi Thessaloniki]]
|1908
|
|
|Historically representative of the [[Jews of Thessaloniki|Jewish community]]. Today members of any religious faith
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Aris Thessaloniki|AC Aris Thessaloniki]]
|rowspan=2|1914
|[[Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium]]
|22,800
|-
|[[Alexandreio Melathron Nikos Galis Hall|Alexandreio Melathron]] ([[Alexandreio Melathron Nikos Galis Hall|Palais des Sports]])
|5,500
|Panhellenic titles in football, basketball, volleyball, waterpolo. Three European Cups in basketball
|-
|[[X.A.N. Thessaloniki B.C.|YMCA Thessaloniki (ΧΑΝΘ)]]
|1921
|
|
|Presence in A1 basketball. Major role in introduction of basketball in Greece
|-
|[[Megas Alexandros Thessaloniki|Megas Alexandros]]
|1923
|
|
|Presence in First Division of Football Panhellenic Championship
|-
|rowspan=2|[[P.A.O.K.]]
|rowspan=2|1926
|[[Toumba Stadium]]
|28,703
|-
|[[P.A.O.K. Sports Arena]]
|10,000
|Panhellenic titles in football, basketball, volleyball, handball. Two European Cups in basketball. Most time winners in women's football
|-
|[[Apollon Kalamarias|Apollon Kalamarias/Pontou]]
|1926
|[[Kalamaria Stadium]]
|6,500
|
|-
|[[M.E.N.T. B.C.|M.E.N.T.]]
|1926
|
|
|Presence in A1 basketball
|-
|[[VAO (sports club)|V.A.O.]]
|1926
|
|
|Presence in A1 basketball. Panhellenic titles in handball
|-
|[[Makedonikos F.C.]]
|1928
|[[Makedonikos Stadium]]
|8,100
|Presence in first division of men's football
|-
|[[Agrotikos Asteras F.C.]]
|1932
|[[Agrotikos Asteras Stadium|Evosmos Stadium]]
|
|
|-
|[[Aias Evosmou]]
|1967
|DAK Evosmou
|
|
|}

===Media===

Thessaloniki is home to the [[ERT3]] TV-channel and [[Radio Macedonia (ERT3)|Radio Macedonia]], both services of public owned–[[Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation|Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)]] operating in the city and broadcasting all over Greece.<ref>{{cite web |title=PROFILE |url=http://tvradio.ert.gr/radioen/radioprofil.asp?id=21 |publisher=EPT TV-Radio |access-date=9 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313201338/http://tvradio.ert.gr/radioen/radioprofil.asp?id=21 |archive-date=13 March 2011 }}</ref> The municipality of Thessaloniki also owns and operates three radio stations, namely FM100, FM101 and FM100.6;{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} and TV100, a television network which was also the first non-[[state-owned]] TV station in Greece and opened in 1988.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} Several private TV-networks also broadcast out from Thessaloniki, with [[Makedonia TV]] being the most popular.

The city's main newspapers and some of the most circulated in Greece, include ''[[Makedonia (newspaper)|Makedonia]]'', which was also the first newspaper published in Thessaloniki in 1911 and ''Aggelioforos''. A large number of radio stations also broadcast from Thessaloniki as the city is known for its music contributions.

====TV broadcasting====
* [[ERT3]] (Panhellenic broadcasting)
* [[Makedonia TV]] (Panhellenic)
* [[4E TV]] (Panhellenic)
* [[TV 100]] (Regional)
* [[Vergina TV]] (Regional)
* [[Atlas TV (Thessaloniki)|Atlas TV]] (Regional)

====Press====
* ''[[Makedonia (newspaper)|Makedonia]]'' (national publication)
* ''[[Aggelioforos]]'' (national)
* ''[[Metrosport]]'' (sports, national)
* ''[[Fair Play (newspaper)|Fair Play]]'' (sports, national)
* ''[[Aris Ise (newspaper)|Aris Ise]]'' (sports, weekly, national)
* ''[[Forza (newspaper)|Forza]]'' (sports, weekly, national)
* ''[[Thessaloniki (newspaper)|Thessaloniki]]'' (weekly, national)
* ''[[Ikonomiki]]'' (financial)
* Parallaxi (daily, online)

===Notable Thessalonians===
{{Unsorted list|date=June 2023}}{{List scope|date=June 2023}}{{Main|List of Thessalonians}}
[[File:Άγιος Δημήτριος Άγιος Δημήτριος Θεσσαλονίκης. Ψηφιδωτό 7ου αιώνα.jpg|alt=|thumb|Mosaic of Saint [[Demetrius of Thessaloniki]] in the [[Hagios Demetrios|Church of Saint Demetrius]] in Thessaloniki]]
Throughout its history, Thessaloniki has been home to a number of well-known figures and people.

==== Saints and other religious figures ====
* [[Demetrius of Thessaloniki|Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki]]
* [[Cyril and Methodius|Saint Cyril and Methodius]] (creators of the first Slavic alphabet)
* [[Saint Mitre]]
* [[Gregory Palamas|Saint Gregorios Palamas]]
* [[Matthew Blastares]]
* [[Eustathius of Thessalonica|Saint Eustathius of Thessalonica]] and [[Patriarch Philotheus I of Constantinople]]
* [[Paisios of Mount Athos|Saint Paìsios of Mount Athos]]

===== Other Byzantine-era notable people =====
* Jurist [[Constantine Armenopoulos]]
* Historians [[John Kaminiates]], [[Demetrius Triclinius]], [[Thomas Magister|Thomas Magistros]]
* The anti-Palamian theologians [[Prochoros Kydones|Prochoros]] and [[Demetrios Kydones]]
* Scholars [[Theodorus Gaza]] (''Thessalonicensis'') and [[Matthaios Kamariotis]]

==== Musicians and movie personalities ====
* [[Zoe Laskari]]
* [[Costas Hajihristos]]
* [[:el: Στέλλα Χασκίλ|Stella Haskil]]
* [[Giannis Dalianidis]]
* [[Maria Plyta]]
* [[Harry Klynn]]
* [[Antonis Remos]]
* [[Paschalis Terzis]]
* [[Nikos Papazoglou]]
* [[Nikolas Asimos]]
* [[Giorgos Hatzinasios]]
* [[:el:Αλμπέρτο Εσκενάζυ|Alberto Eskenazi]]
* [[Stavros Kouyioumtzis]]
* [[Giannis Kalatzis]]
* [[Natassa Theodoridou]]
* Katia Zygouli
* [[Kostas Voutsas]]
* [[Takis Kanellopoulos]]
* [[Titos Vandis]]
* [[Manolis Chiotis]]
* [[Dionysis Savvopoulos]]
* [[Marinella]]
* [[Yvonne Sanson]]
* The classical composer [[Emilios Riadis]]

==== Politicians born in the city ====
* [[Ioannis Skandalidis]]
* [[Haris Kastanidis]]
* [[:el:Αλέξανδρος Ζάννας|Alexandros Zannas]]
* [[Evangelos Venizelos]], Jurist, Constitutional Law Professor, Politician and Deputy Prime Minister of Greece (2011–2015)
* [[Christos Sartzetakis]], Prosecutor and fourth [[President of Greece|President of The Hellenic Republic]] (1985–1990)
* [[Yiannis Boutaris]], twice Mayor of Thessaloniki (2011-2015/2015-2019)

==== Sports personalities from the city ====
* [[Nikos Galis]]
* [[Georgios Roubanis]]
* [[Giannis Ioannidis]]
* [[Faidon Matthaiou]]
* [[Theodoros Pallas]]
* [[Alketas Panagoulias]]
* [[Panagiotis Fasoulas]]
* [[Eleni Daniilidou]]
* [[Traianos Dellas]]
* [[Giorgos Koudas]]
* [[Kleanthis Vikelidis]]
* [[Christos Kostis]]
* [[Dimitris Salpingidis]]
* [[Nikos Zisis]]

==== Writers from Thessaloniki ====
* [[Grigorios Zalykis]]
* [[Manolis Anagnostakis]]
* [[Kleitos Kyrou]]
* [[:el: Αλβέρτος Ναρ|Albertos Nar]]
* [[Elias Petropoulos]]
* [[:el:Κωστής Μοσκώφ|Kostis Moskof]]
* [[Rena Molho]]
* [[Dinos Christianopoulos]]

==== Other notable people born in Thessaloniki ====
* Fashion designer Sero (Serovpe) Ambrahamian (1949–1983)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.voria.gr/article/istories-palias-thessalonikis-sero-amprachamian-o-diethnis-protoporos-tis-ellinikis-modas |title=Old Thessaloniki Stories: Sero Ambrahamian the international pioneer of Greek fashion |language=el |date=23 October 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025051913/https://www.voria.gr/article/istories-palias-thessalonikis-sero-amprachamian-o-diethnis-protoporos-tis-ellinikis-modas |archive-date=25 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.protagon.gr/themata/sero-abraxamian-o-salonikios-thrylos-tis-modas-44341741297 |title=Sero Ambrahamian – The Thessalonician legend of fashion |language=el |date=8 December 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804112112/https://www.protagon.gr/themata/sero-abraxamian-o-salonikios-thrylos-tis-modas-44341741297 |archive-date=4 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.miet.gr/event-list/event-Sero-Abrahamian-1949-1983-O-die8nhs-prwtoporos-ths-ellhnikhs-modas |title=Sero Abrahamian. (1949-1983) The international pioneer of Greek fashion |language=el |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709100925/https://www.miet.gr/event-list/event-Sero-Abrahamian-1949-1983-O-die8nhs-prwtoporos-ths-ellhnikhs-modas |archive-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.makthes.gr/otan-i-thessaloniki-eiche-ton-sero-amprachamian-171965 |title=When Thessaloniki had Sero Ambrahamian |language=el |date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807235318/https://www.makthes.gr/otan-i-thessaloniki-eiche-ton-sero-amprachamian-171965 |archive-date=7 August 2020}}</ref>           
* Philanthropist and benefactor [[Ioannis Papafis]]  
* Architect [[Lysandros Kaftanzoglou]]
* [[Konstantinos Tsavdaridis]] (born 1983), professor and academic

==== International personalities ====
* [[Bulgarians]]
** [[Atanas Dalchev]]
* [[Jews]]
** Baron Maurice de Hirsch
** [[Moshe Levy (chemist)|Moshe Levy]]
** [[Maurice Abravanel]]
** [[Isaak Benrubi]]
** [[Isaac Carasso|Isaac]] and [[Daniel Carasso]]
** [[Raphaël Salem]]
** [[Baruch Uziel]]
** [[Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz]]
** [[Salamo Arouch]]
** [[Avraam Benaroya]]
* [[Slav Macedonians]]
** [[Dimo Todorovski]]
* [[Italians]]
** [[:it:Luisa Poselli|Luisa Poselli]]
** [[Giacomo Poselli]]
** [[:it:Vittorio Citterich|Vittorio Citterich]]
* [[French people]]
** [[Louis Dumont]]
* [[Spanish people]]
** [[Juana Mordó]]
* [[Turkish people|Turks]]
** [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]]
** [[Nâzım Hikmet]]
** [[Afet İnan]]
** [[Cahit Arf]]
** [[Mehmet Cavit Bey]]
** [[Sabiha Sertel]]
** [[Abdul Kerim Pasha]]
** [[Hasan Tahsin Uzer]]
** [[Hasan Tahsin]]
* [[Armenians]]
** [[Jean Tatlian]]

===Cuisine===
{{see also|Macedonian cuisine (Greek)}}
[[File:Frappe (4547117210).jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|[[Frappé coffee]]]]
[[File:Bougatsa.png|thumb|[[Bougatsa]], typical Thessalonian treat]]

Because Thessaloniki remained under [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] rule for about 100 years longer than southern Greece, it has retained a lot of its Eastern character, including its culinary tastes.<ref name="Frommer's Food">{{cite book |title=Frommer's Greece |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780470165386 |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780470165386/page/627 627] |quote=Cuisine Thessaloniki. |year=2008 |publisher=Wiley Publishing Inc. |access-date=9 February 2012 |isbn=9780470260814}}</ref> Spices in particular play an important role in the cuisine of Thessaloniki,<ref name="Frommer's Food"/> something which is not true to the same degree about Greece's southern regions.<ref name="Frommer's Food"/> Thessaloniki's Ladadika borough is a particularly busy area in regards to Thessalonian cuisine, with most [[taverna]]s serving traditional [[meze]] and other such culinary delights.<ref name="Frommer's Food"/>

[[Bougatsa]], a breakfast [[pastry]], which can be either sweet with Patisserie créme or savory, is very popular throughout the city and has spread around other parts of Greece and the Balkans as well. Another popular snack is ''[[Simit|koulouri]]''.

Notable sweets of the city are ''Trigona Panoràmatos'', ''Roxákia'', ''[[:el:Κουρκουμπίνι|Kourkoubinia]]'' and ''Armenonville''. A stereotypical Thessalonian [[coffee]] drink is [[Frappé coffee]]. Frappé was invented in the [[Thessaloniki International Fair]] in 1957 and has since spread throughout Greece and Cyprus to become a hallmark of the Greek [[coffee culture]]. Rather than Frappé, Thessalonians tend to enjoy drinking ''Freddo Espresso'', a special Greek variation of Espresso coffee; specifically, after being extracted from the coffee machine, espresso is put into a shaker full of ice and eventually sugar (if preferred such) and afterwards it is frothed with an electric frother. Finally, it is served with ice and straw in a tall glass. Coffee is an inseparable part of Thessalonians, marking a quick break from work, a socialising opportunity among friends, family and couples as well as a chance to study, meet new people and relax.

''Kapani'' or ''Agora Vlalì'' is the oldest central market in Thessaloniki, with shops selling fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, drinks, olives, sweets, nuts, spices<ref>{{cite web |title=Kapani Market |url=https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr/index.php/en/component/k2/item/164-kapani-market |website=Thessaloniki Tourism |access-date=13 October 2022 |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kapani or Agora Vlali – Thessaloniki |url=https://www.greekgastronomyguide.gr/en/item/agora-kapani-thessaloniki/ |website=Greek Gastronomy Guide |access-date=13 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ΑΡΧΙΚΗ |url=https://kapani.gr/ |website=Αγορά Καπάνι Θεσσαλονίκης |access-date=13 October 2022 |language=el}}</ref> and [[Modiano Market]] is located nearby.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kapani and Modiano Markets |url=https://www.afar.com/places/modiano-market-thessaloniki |website=AFAR Media |access-date=13 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

===Tourism===
[[File:Ξενοδοχείο Λουξεμβούργο (1924), Κομνηνών 6 & Καλαποθάκη, Θεσσαλονίκη.jpg|thumb|160px|Hotel Luxemvourgo on Komninon Street (1924, arch. [[:el:Ελί Μοδιάνο|Eli Modiano]])]]
[[File:Thessaloniki, Greece - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|200px|View of the [[Makedonia Palace]] on the promenade]]

A tourism boom took place in the 2010s, during the years of mayor [[Yiannis Boutaris|Boutaris]], especially from the neighboring countries, Austria, Israel and Turkey. In 2010, overnight stays of foreign tourists in the city were around 250,000. In 2018, overnight stays of foreign tourists were estimated to reach 3,000,000 people. Thessaloniki is known as "[[The City That Never Sleeps (nickname)|the city that never sleeps]]" and a "party capital" due to its thriving [[nightlife]], young atmosphere and famous [[24/7|24-hour culture]].<ref name="lonelyplanet.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-york-city/travel-tips-and-articles/76165 |title=Lonely Planet's top 10 cities for 2011 |access-date=31 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103065648/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-york-city/travel-tips-and-articles/76165 |archive-date=3 November 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Music===
The city is viewed as a romantic one in Greece, and as such Thessaloniki is commonly featured in [[Music of Greece|Greek songs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Τραγούδια για τη Θεσσαλονίκη 2 |url=http://homelessmontresor.blogspot.com/2007/06/2.html |date=4 June 2007 |publisher=homelessmontresor |access-date=9 April 2011}}</ref> There are a number of famous songs that go by the name 'Thessaloniki' ([[rebetiko]], [[laïko]] etc.) or include the name in their title.<ref>{{cite web |title=Τραγούδια για την Θεσσαλονίκη |url=http://www.musicheaven.gr/html/modules.php?name=Splatt_Forums&file=viewtopic&topic=20544&gotolast=1 |date=13 February 2010 |publisher=Musicheaven.gr |access-date=9 April 2011}}</ref>

During the 1930s and 1940s, the city became a centre of the [[Rebetiko]] music, partly because of the [[4th of August Regime|Metaxas]] censorship, which was stricter in Athens. [[Vassilis Tsitsanis]] wrote some of his best songs{{According to whom|date=October 2022}} in Thessaloniki.

The city is the birthplace of significant composers in the Greek music scene, such as [[Manolis Chiotis]], [[Stavros Kouyioumtzis]] and [[Dionysis Savvopoulos]]. It is also notable for its rock music scene and its many rock groups; some became famous such as [[Xylina Spathia]], [[Trypes]] or the [[pop rock]] group [[Onirama]].

Between 1962–1997 and 2005–2008, the city also hosted the [[Thessaloniki Song Festival]]. In the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2013]] Greece was represented by [[Koza Mostra]] and [[Agathonas Iakovidis]], both from Thessaloniki.

It should be highlighted that due to many Asia Minor and Pontian refugees from the genocide of 1923, Thessaloniki is the birthplace of many known traditional singers, such as [[Chrysanthos Theodoridis]] and lyra musician "Patriarch of Lyra" [[:el:Γώγος Πετρίδης|Gogos Petridis]].

===In popular culture===
In May 1936, a massive strike by tobacco workers led to general anarchy in the city and [[Ioannis Metaxas]] (future dictator, then PM) ordered its repression. The events and the deaths of the protesters inspired poet [[Yiannis Ritsos]] to write the ''Epitafios''.

On 22 May 1963, [[Grigoris Lambrakis|Grigoris Lambrakis MD]], physician-doctor, pacifist and MP, was assassinated by two far-right extremists driving a three-wheeled vehicle. The event led to the political crisis as it is presumed that State Gendarmerie, Army and Government members were indirectly coinvolved, even though never officially demonstrated. [[Costa Gavras]] directed ''[[Z (1969 film)|Z]]'' (1969) based on it, two years after the [[Greek military junta of 1967–74|military junta]] had seized power in Greece. For his notable juridical, incorruptible and unprejudiced work regarding Lambrakis’ case, First Instance Judge Christos Sartzetakis (Thessaloniki 1929–2022) was proposed and elected at the constitutionally highest political rank, becoming President of The Hellenic Republic.

Notable films set or shot in Thessaloniki, among others, include:

* ''[[Street of Shadows (1937 film)|Street of Shadows]]'' (1937) by [[Georg Wilhelm Pabst]]
* ''The Barefooted Battalion'' (1954) by [[Gregg G. Tallas|Gregg Tallas]]
* ''O Atsídas'' (1961) by [[Giannis Dalianidis]]
* ''Parenthesis'' (1968) by [[Takis Kanellopoulos]]
* [[Z (1969 film)|''Z'']] (1969) by [[Costa-Gavras]]
* ''[[Triumph of the Spirit]]'' (1989) by [[Robert M. Young (director)|Robert M. Young]]
* ''[[Eternity and a Day]]'' (1998) by [[Theo Angelopoulos]]
* ''[[Cloudy Sunday (film)|Cloudy Sunday]]'' (2015) by [[Manousos Manousakis]]
* ''[[The Bricklayer]]'' (2023) by [[Renny Harlin]]

==Education==
{{See also|Aristotle University|University of Macedonia}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2019}}
[[File:Salonica-Central-Aerial.jpg|thumb|240px|Aerial view of the campus of the [[Aristotle University of Thessaloniki]] (to the right), the largest university in Greece and the Balkans]]

Thessaloniki is a major centre of education for Greece. Three of the country's largest universities are located in central Thessaloniki: [[Aristotle University of Thessaloniki]], the [[University of Macedonia]] and the [[International Hellenic University]]–ex Intermediate Technical Educating Institution “Alexandros”. Aristotle University was founded in 1926 and is currently the largest university in [[list of universities in Greece|Greece]]<ref name="AUTH"/> by arithmetic enrolled students,  which numbered more than 80,000 students of all degrees, classes and levels in 2010,<ref name="AUTH"/> and also a member of the [[Utrecht Network]]. For the academic year <u>''2009–2010''</u>, [[Aristotle University]] was ranked as one of the 150 best universities in the world for ''arts and humanities'' and among the 250 best universities in the world overall by the [[Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings|Times QS World University Rankings]],<ref name="QS">{{cite web |url=http://www.topuniversities.com/institution/aristotle-university-thessaloniki/wur |title=Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings |publisher=Topuniversities.com |access-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322050626/http://www.topuniversities.com/institution/aristotle-university-thessaloniki/wur |archive-date=22 March 2011 }}</ref> making it one of the top 2% of best universities worldwide.<ref>The International Journal of Scientometrics, Infometrics and Bibliometrics estimates that there are 17036 universities in the world.</ref> Leiden ranks [[Aristotle University]] as one of the top 100 European universities, at number 97,  and the best university in Greece.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cwts.nl/ranking/top100_green_lst.html |title=official list |publisher=Cwts.nl |access-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226140111/http://www.cwts.nl/ranking/top100_green_lst.html |archive-date=26 February 2012 }}</ref> Since 2010, Thessaloniki is also home to the Open University of Thessaloniki,<ref>[http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/YpiresiesEkpaideusisNeolaiasAthlitismou/Anoichto-Panepistimio-2010-2011 Open University] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721083550/http://www.thessaloniki.gr/portal/page/portal/DioikitikesYpiresies/YpiresiesEkpaideusisNeolaiasAthlitismou/Anoichto-Panepistimio-2010-2011 |date=21 July 2011 }} (in Greek).</ref> which is funded by [[Aristotle University]], the [[University of Macedonia]] and the municipality of Thessaloniki.

Numerous public and private [[IEK|vocational institutes]] ({{langx|el|IEK}}) provide professional non-accademica training to young students, while a large number of private colleges offer [[United States|American]] and [[UK]] academic curriculum and titles, via cooperation with foreign universities. In addition to [[Greek people|Greek]] students, the city hence attracts many foreign students either via the [[Erasmus]] programme for public universities, or for a complete degree in public universities or in the city's private colleges. {{As of|2006}} the city's total student population was estimated around 200,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thessaloniki has no Apple's real representation |url=http://www.wewantapplegreece.com/index.php/site/comments/thessaloniki_has_no_apples_real_representation/ |publisher=Karakatsanis, Dimitris |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-date=21 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521040628/http://www.wewantapplegreece.com/index.php/site/comments/thessaloniki_has_no_apples_real_representation |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Transport==

===Tram===
[[File:Οι γραμμές του τράμ, Οδός Αγίου Μηνά, Θεσσαλονίκη.jpg|thumb|180px|The old tram lines on Agiou Mina Street]]

[[Tram]] was the main, oldest and most popular public urban mean of Thessalonians in the past. It was in operation from 1893 to 1957, when it was disestablished by the government of [[Konstantinos Karamanlis]]. The Belgian ''Compagnie de Tramways et d' Éclairage Électrique de Salonique'' operated it from 1912 until 1940, when the company was purchased by the Hellenic State. The operating base and tram station was in the district of Dépôt.

Before the [[Greek government-debt crisis|economic crisis of 2009]], there were various proposals for new tram lines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eventsinteractive.com/artion/Docs/DevConf//PPT/6.GIANNOPOULOS.pdf |title=Προτάσεις της ΓΚΜΘ 2000 για τραμ |access-date=30 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521004738/http://www.eventsinteractive.com/artion/Docs/DevConf//PPT/6.GIANNOPOULOS.pdf |archive-date=21 May 2013 |url-status=usurped |language=el}}</ref>

===Bus {{anchor|Bus transport}}===
{{Main|Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization}}
[[File:Citaro O530G.jpg|thumb|An [[OASTH]] bus]]

[[Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization]] (''OASTH'') operates public transport buses in Thessaloniki. It was founded in 1957 and operates a fleet of 604 vehicles on 75 routes throughout the [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oasth.gr/organization/general_eng.php |title=OASTH – General characteristics |publisher=[[OASTH|oasth.gr]] |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> International and regional bus links are provided by [[KTEL (Greece)|KTEL]] at its [[Thessaloniki Bus Station|“Macedonia” Extraurban Bus Terminal]], located to the west of the city centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ktelmacedonia.gr/en/content/Location.168/ |title=Location of Macedonia Intercity Bus Station |publisher=[[KTEL (Greece)|KTEL Makedonia]] |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>

===Metro===
{{Main|Thessaloniki Metro}}
{{Thessaloniki Metro route diagram}}
[[File:Agiassofias.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Agias Sofias metro station]]]]
The creation of a metro system for Thessaloniki goes back as far as 1918, when [[Thomas Hayton Mawson]] and [[Ernest Hébrard]] proposed the creation of a Thessaloniki Metropolitan Railway.<ref>{{Cite book |first=Alexandra |last=Gerolympou |title=Η Ανοικοδόμηση της Θεσσαλονίκης Μετά την Πυρκαγιά του 1917 |trans-title=The Rebuilding of Thessaloniki after the Great Fire of 1917 |edition=Second |publisher=[[Aristotle University of Thessaloniki]] University Press |language=el |year=1995}}</ref> In 1968, a circular metro line was proposed, and in 1987 the first serious proposal was presented and construction briefly started in 1988, before stalling and finally being abandoned due to lack of funding.<ref name="Karfitsa">{{cite web |url=https://www.karfitsa.gr/ki-omos-to-metro-thessalonikis-einai-et/ |title=Κι όμως! Το ΜΕΤΡΟ Θεσσαλονίκης είναι έτοιμο (στα χαρτιά) από το 1987! |trans-title=It's true! The Thessaloniki Metro was ready (on paper) in 1987 already! |website=www.karfitsa.gr |date=29 February 2016 |access-date=13 August 2018 |language=el}}</ref> Both the 1918 and 1988 proposals ran almost the identical route to the current [[Line 1 (Thessaloniki Metro)|Line 1]].

Construction of Thessaloniki metro began in 2006 and is classified as a [[megaproject]]: it has a budget of €1.57 billion (${{To USD|1.57|EUR|year=2017}} billion).<ref name="Funding">{{cite web |author=Attiko Metro A.E. |url=http://www.ametro.gr/?page_id=4216&lang=en |title=Funding |website=www.ametro.gr |access-date=5 June 2018 |author-link=Athens Metro}}</ref> [[Line 1 (Thessaloniki Metro)|Line 1]] began operation on 30 November 2024, while [[Line 2 (Thessaloniki Metro)|Line 2]] is currently under construction and will enter into service in late 2025. [[Line 1 (Thessaloniki Metro)|Line 1]] is {{convert|9.5|km|mi}} long and includes 13 stations, while [[Line 2 (Thessaloniki Metro)|Line 2]] is {{convert|4.8|km|mi}} long and includes a further five stations, while also crossing 11 of the 13 Line 1 stations.<ref name="History Metro">{{cite web |author=Attiko Metro A.E. |url=http://www.ametro.gr/?page_id=4194&lang=en |title=History |website=www.ametro.gr |access-date=19 August 2018 |author-link=Athens Metro}}</ref><ref name="synenteuksi mylopoulou">{{cite web |url=https://www.ypodomes.com/index.php/statheri-troxia/metro/thessalonikis/item/38724-simera-stis-11-30-live-synentefksi-sto-facebook-o-giannis-mylopoulos-gia-to-metro-thessalonikis |title=Η Συνέντευξη τoυ Γιάννη Μυλόπουλου για το Μετρό Θεσσαλονίκης |website=www.ypodomes.gr |access-date=12 August 2018 |trans-title=Giannis Mylopoulos' interview about the Thessaloniki Metro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812213150/https://www.ypodomes.com/index.php/statheri-troxia/metro/thessalonikis/item/38724-simera-stis-11-30-live-synentefksi-sto-facebook-o-giannis-mylopoulos-gia-to-metro-thessalonikis |archive-date=12 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Thessaloniki Metro#Archaeology|Important archaeological discoveries]] have been made during construction, and some of the system's stations house archaeological exhibitions.<ref name=AF>{{cite web |url=http://www.ametro.gr/cgi-bin/showpress.cgi?id=88 |title=CONCLUSION THESSALONIKI METRO & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION |date=12 April 2007 |access-date=13 August 2007 |work=Attiko Metro S.A. |publisher=www.ametro.gr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927203721/http://www.ametro.gr/cgi-bin/showpress.cgi?id=88 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> One station in particular, that of {{metro|Venizelou}}, houses the only archaeological site within a metro station in the world.<ref name="Skai Metro">{{cite web |author=Skai TV |url=http://www.skai.gr/player/TV/?mmid=305842 |title=Ιστορίες: Μετρό Θεσσαλονίκης |trans-title=Stories: Thessaloniki Metro |website=www.skai.gr |access-date=13 August 2018 |language=el |author-link=Skai TV |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044008/http://www.skai.gr/player/TV/?mmid=305842 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Line 2 (Thessaloniki Metro)|Line 2]] is to be expanded further to the northwestern suburbs of the city, towards [[Evosmos]] and [[Stavroupoli]], and to the east, towards [[Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia"|the Airport]].<ref name="Circular">{{cite web |author=Attiko Metro A.E. |url=http://www.ametro.gr/?page_id=4205&lang=en |title=Extensions |website=www.ametro.gr |access-date=10 August 2018 |author-link=Athens Metro}}</ref> The northwestern extension is a priority, as the airport is served by bus to the terminus of Line 1.

It is now expected that 320,000 people per day and 116 million people per year will use the Thessaloniki metro.<ref name="Move">{{cite web |url=https://www.movenews.gr/mylopoylos-to-2020-ua-kykloforoyn-kauhmerina-320000-epibates-me-to-metro-thw-uessalonikhs/ |title=Μυλόπουλος: Το 2020 θα κυκλοφορούν καθημερινά 320.000 επιβάτες με το μετρό της Θεσσαλονίκης |website=www.movenews.gr |access-date=12 August 2018 |trans-title=Mylopoulos: In 2020, 320,000 people will travel on the Thessaloniki metro system |archive-date=12 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812215445/https://www.movenews.gr/mylopoylos-to-2020-ua-kykloforoyn-kauhmerina-320000-epibates-me-to-metro-thw-uessalonikhs/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Commuter/suburban rail (Proastiakos)===
{{Main|Proastiakos}}

[[File:Thessaloniki Suburban Railway map.svg|thumb|Suburban Railway services]]

Commuter intraregional rail services have recently been established between Thessaloniki and the city of [[Larissa]] (the service is known in [[Greek language|Greek]] as the "[[Proastiakos]]", meaning "Suburban Railway"). The service is operated using [[Siemens Desiro]] EMU trains on a modernised electrified [[double track]] and stops at 11 restructured rail stations, covering the journey in 1 hour and 33 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naftemporiki.gr/audionews/listenstory.asp?id=1558931 |title=Επέκταση Προαστιακού στο τμήμα Λιτόχωρο – Λάρισα [Expansion of Proastiakos towards Litohoro – Larissa] |date=9 April 2008 |publisher=Naftemporiki |access-date=15 February 2012 |language=el |archive-date=29 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529050111/http://www.naftemporiki.gr/audionews/listenstory.asp?id=1558931 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Furthermore, an additional line has also been established, with the use of regional trains, connecting Thessaloniki to [[Edessa, Greece|Edessa]] and [[Florina]].

===Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia"===
[[File:SELANIK.THESSALONIKI 1 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Thessaloniki International Airport]]]]

International and domestic [[air traffic]] to and from the city of Thessaloniki is served by the [[Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia"|"Makedonia" International Airport of Thessaloniki]] . The short length of the airport's two runways means that it does not, yet, support intercontinental flights; however, a major extension of one of its runways into the [[Thermaic Gulf]] is currently under construction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.express.gr/news/finance/511934oz_20110830511934.php3 |script-title=el:Αναβαθμίζεται με 286 εκατ. το αεροδρόμιο "Μακεδονία" |trans-title=The "Macedonia" Airport is being upgraded with 286&nbsp;million Euros |publisher=Express |date=30 August 2011 |language=el |access-date=15 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115071115/http://www.express.gr/news/finance/511934oz_20110830511934.php3 |archive-date=15 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the completion of the runway works, the airport will be able to serve intercontinental flights and cater for larger aircraft in the future. After long delays, the new runway of the airport was completed in spring 2019. Construction of a second new terminal began in September 2018.<ref name="Naftemporiki">{{Cite web |url=https://www.naftemporiki.gr/finance/story/1393086/themelionetai-to-neo-terminal-tou-aerodromiou-makedonia |script-title=el:Θεμελιώνεται το νέο τέρμιναλ του αεροδρομίου "Μακεδονία" |last=Zois |first=Fanis |date=19 September 2018 |website=www.naftemporiki.gr |publisher=[[Naftemporiki]] |language=el |access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref> New T2 has been finished in February 2021, three months ahead of schedule.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agency |first=Athens News |title=Fraport Delivers Thessaloniki Airport – Concludes Upgrade of 14 Greek Airports |url=https://www.thenationalherald.com/greece_economy/arthro/fraport_delivers_thessaloniki_airport_concludes_upgrade_of_14_greek_airports-1767452/ |access-date=12 February 2021 |website=The National Herald |language=en |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416021649/https://www.thenationalherald.com/greece_economy/arthro/fraport_delivers_thessaloniki_airport_concludes_upgrade_of_14_greek_airports-1767452/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Railways===
The [[Thessaloniki railway station]] features a central hall with a shopping centre within a 1960s era building. The station has staffed ticketing services, a large climate-controlled waiting room, café bar, fast-food restaurants, kiosk and luggage lockers. On the platforms, cover seating is available and the station is alongside a bus terminal. The station is connected by bus and the Metro with much of the urban area of Thessaloniki, including other major transport centres such as the Macedonia InterCity Bus Terminal ([[KTEL (Greece)|KTEL]]), the port and [[Macedonia International Airport]].

Regional train services within Greece (operated by [[TrainOSE]], the [[Hellenic Railways Organization]]'s train operating company), link the city with other main urban parts of the country's territory, indicatively Athens, Larissa, Katerìni, Edessa, Véria, Florina, Serres, Alexandroupoli, Orestiada, Drama, Xànthi, Meteora and more. Once there were abundant international links serving different European and Balkan cities and also remarkable trains such as Orient Express, Acropolis Express, Hellas Express, Eurocity ecc. namely; Sofia, Belgrade, Skopje, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Istanbul and most importantly diverse German cities.[[File:Thessaloniki New Railway Station.jpg|thumb|[[New railway station (Thessaloniki)|New railway station]]]]

Due to the Greek economic crisis, all international train links from the city were suspended in February 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tanea.gr/ellada/article/?aid=4618021 |title=Αναστέλλονται όλα τα διεθνή δρομολόγια του ΟΣΕ [All international routes of OSE have been suspended] |publisher=[[Ta Nea]] |date=13 February 2011 |language=el}}</ref> Until then, the city was a major railway hub for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Daily through trains to Sofia (via Serres) and Belgrade (via Gevgelija) were restarted in May 2014 but stopped again due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, Thessaloniki remains a key passenger and merchant railway hub with the biggest [[marshalling yard]] in the country and still one of the biggest in Balkans.

===Port===
{{main|Port of Thessaloniki}}
The [[Port of Thessaloniki]] connects the city with seasonal ferries to the [[Sporades]], other north Aegean islands and Turkish Minor Asia's ports like Izmir/Smyrni, with its [[Passenger|passenger terminal]] being one of the largest in the [[Aegean Sea]] basin; having handled around 162,731 [[passengers]] in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thpa.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=95&lang=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003102959/http://www.thpa.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=95&lang=en |url-status=dead |title=Port of Thessaloniki passenger terminal |archive-date=3 October 2015 |access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref> Meanwhile, ongoing actions have been going on for more connections and the port is recently being upgraded, as Thessaloniki is also slowly turning into a major tourist port for cruising in the eastern Mediterranean. It also consists the second largest port of Greece by merchant traffic volume being only behind Piraeus Port, the largest domestic port.

===Motorways===
{{Further|Highways in Greece}}
[[File:Thessaloniki Road Map.svg|thumb|Road map of Thessaloniki and its suburbs from [[OpenStreetMap]]]]
[[File:Ο Περιφερειακός της Θεσσαλονίκης - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Part of the [[ring road]] (Peripheriaki Odos)]]
Thessaloniki lies on the crossroads of the [[A1 motorway (Greece)|A1]]/[[European route E75|E75]], [[A2 motorway (Greece)|A2]]/[[European route E90|E90]] and [[A25 motorway (Greece)|A25]] motorways; which connect the city with other parts of the country, as well as the neighbouring countries of [[North Macedonia]], [[Bulgaria]] and [[Turkey]].

The city itself is bypassed by the C-shaped [[Thessaloniki Inner Ring Road]] (''Esoteriki Peripheriaki Odos'', {{langx|el|Εσωτερική Περιφεριακή Οδός}}), which all of the above motorways connect onto it. The western end of the route begins at the junction with the [[A1 motorway (Greece)|A1]]/[[A2 motorway (Greece)|A2]] motorways in ''Lachanagora'' District. Clockwise it heads northeast around the city, passing through the northwestern suburbs, the forest of ''Seich Sou'' and through to the southeast suburb/borough of [[Kalamaria]]. The ring road ends at a large junction with the [[A24 motorway (Greece)|A24]] motorway, which then continues south to [[Chalkidiki]], passing through [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area|Thessaloniki's]] outer southeast suburbs.

The speed limit on this motorway is {{convert|90|km/h}}; it currently has three traffic lanes for each direction and forms the city's most vital road link; handling more than 120,000 vehicles daily,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.makthes.gr/news/reportage/57082/ |title=Περιφερειακή οδός: Επικίνδυνη εάν δεν γίνουν παρεμβάσεις [Ring Road: Dangerous if measures are not taken] |publisher=[[Makedonia (newspaper)|Makedonia]] |date=19 June 2010 |author=Koutsabaris, Fotis |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908063721/http://www.makthes.gr/news/reportage/57082/ |archive-date=8 September 2012 }}</ref> instead of the 30,000 vehicles that it was originally designed to handle in 1975.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wheels.ana-mpa.gr/articleview2.php?id=2145 |title=- Καρμανιόλα" η περιφερειακή οδός Θεσσαλονίκης που θεωρείται πλέον πεπερασμένη [The Ring Road is considered dangerous and outdated] |publisher=[[Athens News Agency]] |date=25 April 2006 |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506091242/http://wheels.ana-mpa.gr/articleview2.php?id=2145 |archive-date=6 May 2006 }}</ref>
An outer [[ring road]] known as '''Eksoteriki Peripheriaki Odos''' ({{langx|el|Εξωτερική Περιφεριακή Οδός}}, ''outer ring road'') carries all traffic that completely bypasses the city. It is part of [[A2 motorway (Greece)|A2 motorway]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://portal.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathbreak_1_16/03/2011_383152 |title=Ηχορύπανση από τα αυτοκίνητα στο κέντρο της Θεσσαλονίκης [Noise pollution from cars at the centre of Thessaloniki] |publisher=[[Kathimerini]] |date=16 March 2011 |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713010125/http://portal.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathbreak_1_16/03/2011_383152 |archive-date=13 July 2012 }}</ref>

====Future plans====
[[File:TAXI WAY THESSALONIKI 2020.jpg|thumb|Taxi in Thessaloniki]]
Despite the large effort that was made in 2004 to improve the motorway features of the Thessaloniki [[ring road]], the motorway is still insufficient to handle Thessaloniki's increasing traffic and metropolitan population. To tackle this problem, the government has introduced large scale redevelopment plans throughout 2011<ref name="2011 Ring Road works">{{cite web |url=http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=1&artid=118477 |title=Εργα – "ανάσα" στην περιφερειακή οδό ["Relief" works at the Ring Road] |publisher=Aggelioforos |date=12 November 2011 |author=Tasioulas, Tasos |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217212552/http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=1&artid=118477 |archive-date=17 February 2013 }}</ref> with tenders expected to be announced within early 2012;<ref name="2011 Ring Road works"/> that include the total restructuring of the A16 in the western side of the city, with new junctions and new [[hard shoulder|emergency lanes]] throughout the whole length of the motorway.<ref name="2011 Ring Road works"/> In the eastern side an even larger scale project has been announced, for the construction of a new elevated motorway section above the existing, which would allow faster travel for drivers heading to the [[Thessaloniki International Airport, "Macedonia"|airport]] and [[Chalkidiki]] that do not wish to exit into the city, decongesting the existing motorway for city commuters.<ref name="2011 Ring Road redevelopment plans">{{cite web |url=http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=4&artid=117630 |title=Θεσσαλονίκη: Η περιφερειακή οδός... απογειώνεται![" the Ring Road] |publisher=Aggelioforos |date=6 November 2011 |author=Kanitsaki, Ntonia |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217151338/http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=4&artid=117630 |archive-date=17 February 2013 }}</ref> The plans also include adding one more lane in each direction on the existing A16 ring road and on the [[A24 motorway (Greece)|A24]] passing through [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area|Thessaloniki's]] southeast suburbs, from its junction with the A16 in [[Kalamaria]], up to the airport exit ([[Greek National Road 67|ΕΟ67]]); which will make it an 8 lane highway.<ref name="2011 Ring Road works"/>

Additional long-term plans include the extension of the planned outer [[ring road]] known as '''Eksoteriki Peripheriaki Odos''' ({{langx|el|Εξωτερική Περιφεριακή Οδός}}, ''outer ring road'') to circle around the entire [[Thessaloniki metropolitan area]], crossing over the Thermaic Gulf from the east, to join with the [[A1 motorway (Greece)|A1]]/[[European route E75|E75]] motorway. Preliminary plans have been announced which include a {{cvt|4.5|km|0}} bridge over the gulf, as part of the southern bypass of the city; to cater for the large number of travellers from Macedonia and the rest of Greece heading to the [[Thessaloniki International Airport, "Macedonia"|airport]], and to the increasingly popular tourist region of [[Chalkidiki]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.makthes.gr/news/reportage/46230/ |title=ΤΙ ΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΟΝΕΣ "Ματ" στο κυκλοφοριακό με δύο κινήσεις [What scientists are proposing to solve the "traffic problem" ] |publisher=Makedonia |date=25 October 2009 |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217162152/http://www.makthes.gr/news/reportage/46230/ |archive-date=17 February 2013 }}</ref>
* Motorways:
** '''[[A1 motorway (Greece)|A1]]/[[European route E75|E75]] W''' ''([[Republic of North Macedonia]], [[Larissa]], [[Athens]])''
** '''[[A2 motorway (Greece)|A2]]/[[European route E90|E90]] W''' ''([[Kozani]], [[Ioannina]], [[Igoumenitsa]])'' '''N''' ''([[Kavala]], [[Xanthi]], [[Alexandroupolis]], Turkey)''
** '''[[A25 motorway (Greece)|A25]] ([[Greek National Road 12|ΕΟ12]])/[[European route E79|Ε79]] Ν''' ''([[Serres]], [[Bulgaria]])''
** '''[[A24 motorway (Greece)|A24]] ([[Greek National Road 67|ΕΟ67]]) S''' ''([[Thessaloniki International Airport, "Macedonia"|Airport]], [[Chalkidiki]])''
* National Roads:
** '''[[Greek National Road 2|ΕΟ2]]/[[European route E86|Ε86]] W''' ''([[Edessa]], [[Giannitsa]])''
** '''[[Greek National Road 12|ΕΟ12]]/[[European route E79|Ε79]] Ν''' ''([[Serres]], [[Drama, Greece|Drama]])''
** '''[[Greek National Road 16|ΕΟ16]], SW''' ''([[Polygyros]], [[Ouranopolis]])''
** '''[[Greek National Road 65|ΕΟ65]], Ν''' ''([[Kilkis]], [[Doirani]])''
Thessaloniki is also planned to be the southern terminus of the trans-European [[Via Carpathia]] motorway.

==International relations==
[[File:Thessaloniki stele, Melbourne.jpg|thumb|120px|Commemorative [[stele]] in Melbourne]]

'''Consulates'''{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}
{{div col|colwidth=11em}}
* {{ALB}}
* {{AUT}}
* {{AUS}}
* {{BEL}}
* {{BRA}}
* {{BUL}}
* {{GEO}}
* {{CAN}}
* {{CRO}}
* {{CHN}}
* {{CYP}}
* {{DEN}}
* {{FIN}}
* {{FRA}}
* {{GER}}
* {{HUN}}
* {{ISR}}
* {{IRL}}
* {{ITA}}
* {{JOR}}
* {{LTU}}
* {{NED}}
* {{MKD}}
* {{NOR}}
* {{POL}}
* {{POR}}
* {{SRB}}
* {{ESP}}
* {{SUI}}
* {{SWE}}
* {{USA}}
* {{GBR}}
* {{UKR}}
* {{ROU}}
* {{RUS}}
* {{TUR}}
{{div col end}}

===Twin towns – sister cities===
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}
Thessaloniki is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref name=twins>{{cite web |title=Twin Towns |date=25 April 2018 |url=https://thessaloniki.gr/i-want-to-know-whats-going-on-in-the-city/twin-towns/?lang=en |publisher=Thessaloniki |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], United States (1962)
* {{flagicon|EGY}} [[Alexandria]], Egypt (1993)
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Bologna]], Italy (1984)
* {{flagicon|GER}} [[Leipzig]], Germany (1984)
* {{flagicon|CYP}} [[Limassol]], Cyprus (1984)
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[City of Melbourne|Melbourne]], Australia (1984)
* {{flagicon|BUL}} [[Plovdiv]], Bulgaria (1984)
* {{flagicon|SVK}} [[Bratislava]], Slovakia (1986)
* {{flagicon|GER}} [[Cologne]], Germany (1988)
* {{flagicon|ROU}} [[Constanţa]], Romania (1988)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[San Francisco]], United States (1990)
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Nice]], France (1992)
* {{flagicon|ISR}} [[Tel Aviv]], Israel (1994)
* {{flagicon|IND}} [[Kolkata]], India (2005)
* {{flagicon|ALB}} [[Korçë]], Albania (2005)
* {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Busan]], South Korea (2010)
* {{flagicon|ALB}} [[Durrës]], Albania (2012)
<!--Marseille, Tianjin – not twinning/twinning ended-->
{{div col end}}

===Other cooperation===
Thessaloniki also cooperates with:<ref name=twins/>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Toronto]], Canada (1986)
* {{flagicon|HUN}} [[Budapest]], Hungary (1993)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brooklyn|Brooklyn (New York)]], United States (1993)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Boston]], United States (1996)
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Shenyang]], China (2000)
* {{flagicon|ARM}} [[Gyumri]], Armenia (2000)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Philadelphia]], United States (2002)
* {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia (2002)
* {{flagicon|UKR}} [[Dnipro]], Ukraine (2003)
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Venice]], Italy (2003)
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Dongguan]], China (2008)
* {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Nagoya]], Japan (2019)
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Battle of Thessalonica (disambiguation)|Battle of Thessalonica]] (fourteen events at various times)
* [[Macedonians (Greeks)]]
* [[Mount Chortiatis]], above the city
* [[Lake Koroneia]], 14&nbsp;km from the city
* [[Vergina]], town near Aigai, the first capital of Macedon
* [[List of ancient Greek cities]]
* [[Axios Delta National Park|Delta of Axios National Park]], west of the city
* [[Ancient Macedonian dialect]]
* [[Makedones]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |last=Bryer |first=Anthony |author-link=Anthony Bryer |chapter=Byzantium: The Roman Orthodox World, 1393–1492 |pages=771–795 |title=The New Cambridge Medieval History, Vol. VII: {{circa|1415}}–{{circa|1500}} |editor-first=Christopher |editor-last=Allmand |location=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-521-38296-0 |chapter-url={{Gbook|Qzc8OeuSXFMC |page=771 |plainurl=y}}}}
* {{The Late Medieval Balkans}} <!-- Fine 1994 -->
* Ghilardi, Matthieu ''Dynamiques spatiales et reconstitutions paléogéographiques de la plaine de Thessalonique (Grèce) à l'Holocène récent'', 2007. Thèse de Doctorat de l'Université de Paris 12 Val-de-Marne, 475 p.
* {{cite book |last=Greek Republic |url=http://www.eetaa.gr/kallikratis/nomosxedio/Systash_Dhmwn_Perifereiwn.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702124802/http://www.eetaa.gr/kallikratis/nomosxedio/Systash_Dhmwn_Perifereiwn.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 July 2010 |title=Πρόγραμμα Καλλικράτης |trans-title=Kallikratis Programme |year=2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}}
* Hastaoglou-Martinidis, Vilma (ed.), ''Restructuring the City: International Urban Design Competitions for Thessaloniki'', Andreas Papadakis, 1999.
* ''Thessaloniki: Tourist guide and street map'', A. Kessopoulos, MalliareÌ"s-Paideia, 1988.
* {{cite book |editor-last=Magoulias |editor-first=Harry |title=Decline and Fall of Byzantium to the Ottoman Turks, by Doukas. An Annotated Translation of "Historia Turco-Byzantina" by Harry J. Magoulias, Wayne State University |publisher=Wayne State University Press |location=Detroit |year=1975 |isbn=978-0-8143-1540-8}}
* {{cite book |first=Mark |last=Mazower |author-link=Mark Mazower |title=Salonica, City of Ghosts: Christians, Muslims and Jews, 1430–1950 |year=2004}} {{ISBN|0-375-41298-0}}.
* Melville-Jones, John R. 'Venice and Thessalonica 1423–1430 Vol I, The Venetian Accounts, Vol. II, the Greek Accounts, Unipress, Padova, 2002 and 2006 (the latter work contains English translations of accounts of the events of this period by St [[Symeon of Thessaloniki]] and [[John Anagnostes]]).
* Μεσσίνας, Ηλίας. ''Οι Συναγωγές της Θεσσαλονίκης και της Βέροιας''. Εκδόσεις Γαβριηλίδης, 1997. {{ISBN|960-336-010-4}}.
* Messinas, Elias. ''The Synagogues of Greece: A Study of Synagogues in Macedonia and Thrace: With Architectural Drawings of all Synagogues of Greece''. Seattle: KDP, 2022. {{ISBN| 979-8-8069-0288-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Naar |first=Devin E. |title=Jewish Salonica: Between the Ottoman Empire and Modern Greece |series=Stanford Studies in Jewish History and Culture |location=Stanford |publisher=Stanford University Press |year=2016}} {{ISBN|978-1-5036-0008-9}}. 400 pp.
* {{cite book |last=Necipoğlu |first=Nevra |title=Byzantium between the Ottomans and the Latins: Politics and Society in the Late Empire |year=2009 |location=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-40388-8 |url={{Gbook|3gVtpwAACAAJ |plainurl=y}}}}
* Papagiannopoulos, Apostolos. ''Monuments of Thessaloniki'', Rekos Ltd, date unknown.
* {{cite book |last=Russell |first=Eugenia |title=St Demetrius of Thessalonica; Cult and Devotion in the Middle Ages |publisher=Peter Lang |location=Oxford |year=2010}} {{ISBN|978-3-0343-0181-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Skedros |first=James C. |title=Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki: Civic Patron and Divine Protector, 4th-7Th Centuries |series=Harvard Theological Studies |publisher=Trinity Press International |year=1999}}
* {{cite book |last=Vacalopoulos |first=Apostolos E. |author-link=Apostolos Vakalopoulos |title=History of Macedonia 1354–1833 |translator=Peter Megann |publisher=[[Institute for Balkan Studies (Greece)|Institute for Balkan Studies]] |location=Thessaloniki |year=1973 |url=http://promacedonia.org/en/av/ |oclc=220583971}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikivoyage|Thessaloniki}}
{{Wikiquote}}

===Government===
* [https://thessaloniki.gr/?lang=en Municipality of Thessaloniki]
* [http://www.thpa.gr/ Thessaloniki Port Authority]
* [http://www.oasth.gr/ ΟΑΣΘ – Organisation of Urban Transport of Thessaloniki] {{in lang|el|en}}

===Tourism===
* {{YouTube|tALS0WZqi_Y|You in Thessaloniki}}: Official promotional video for Thessaloniki by the [[Greek National Tourism Organization]]
* [http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/main_cities/thessaloniki Thessaloniki] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107023458/http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/main_cities/thessaloniki |date=7 January 2012 }} The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation

===Cultural===
* [https://artsandculture.google.com/story/kAXBXKPYub46LA Explore Thessaloniki: An open Museum of Early Christian and Byzantine Art in the UNESCO collection on Google Arts and Culture]
* [http://www.tch.gr/ Thessaloniki Concert Hall Organisation]
* [http://www.filmfestival.gr/ Thessaloniki Film Festival]
* [http://www.saloniki.org/ Thessaloniki Info & Links]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080402233222/http://www.thessaloniki360.com/ Thessaloniki360 Virtual City Guide]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100910051528/http://tsimiski.gr/ Thessaloniki Tsimiski.gr street]

===Events===
* [http://www.thessaloniki2012.gr/ Thessaloniki 2012] (celebrations for the 100 years of the incorporation of the city to Greece)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120611080819/http://www.thessaloniki2014.eu/ Thessaloniki 2014] (official website of Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014)

{{Landmarks of Thessaloniki}}
{{Neighbourhoods in Thessaloniki}}
{{Museums in Thessaloniki}}
{{Thessaloniki div}}
{{Greek Macedonia}}
{{Kallikratis-Central Macedonia}}
{{European Capital of Culture}}
{{European Youth Capital}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Greece}}
{{Capitals of Peripheries of Greece}}
{{Second Journey of Paul of Tarsus}}
{{Scottish Women's Hospitals World War One}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Thessaloniki| ]]
[[Category:310s BC establishments]]
[[Category:4th-century BC establishments in Greece]]
[[Category:Ancient Greek archaeological sites in Greece]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Macedonia (Greece)]]
[[Category:Capitals of Greek states]]
[[Category:Fortified settlements]]
[[Category:Geography of ancient Mygdonia]]
[[Category:Greek regional capitals]]
[[Category:Historic Jewish communities]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Central Macedonia]]
[[Category:New Testament cities]]
[[Category:Pauline churches]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Greece]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 4th century BC]]
[[Category:Populated places in Thessaloniki (regional unit)]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the Aegean Sea]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Greece|Thessaloniki, Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments]]