Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Above the walls, where the modern city gives way to cobbled lanes, Ano Poli is the soul of old Thessaloniki, and its finest balcony.
Character & history
It is the only area that survived the great fire of 1917, so it keeps its traditional character: timber houses with overhanging sachnisia, small courtyards, Byzantine churches and the city's Ottoman traces.
What to see
- The Byzantine Walls and the walk along them.
- The Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) fortress at the top.
- Vlatades Monastery, the city's only working Byzantine monastery.
- The Trigoniou Tower, with panoramic views over the whole of Thessaloniki and the gulf.
Food with a view
In the lanes you'll find traditional tavernas and ouzeri with sea views, perfect for a slow lunch or sunset.
Getting around
The climb is steep; you can walk up (a lovely but tiring route) or take a city bus. Wear comfortable shoes.
Best for: views, history, romantic strolls and sunsets.
Discover
★Byzantine Walls
The old town's walls and the finest view over Thessaloniki — a UNESCO monument.
Vlatades Monastery
A 14th-century Byzantine monastery in the Upper Town with city views — a UNESCO monument.
Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule)
A Byzantine-Ottoman fortress crowning the Upper Town.