Easy hikes and walks around Κεδρηνός Λόφος (Σεϊχ Σου)

The Alexander the Great Monument is more than just a visual masterpiece – it serves as a historical marker of the region’s ancient past. The monument has witnessed many landmark moments in the history of Thessaloniki and Greece, becoming a focal point for national celebrations, cultural events and moments of reflection. The monument has played a key role in the city’s development over the years, becoming a marker of historical continuity and cultural identity. https://worldcitytrail.com/pl/2025/03/09/aleksander-wielki-w-salonikach/

The statue of the famous king and leader was erected in Thessaloniki in 1973 on the newly created Nea Paralia, a huge square with a park that touches the seaside promenade right next to Thessaloniki's most famous landmark, the White Tower. The bronze equestrian statue is located just a few meters from the sea and faces south-east. The equestrian statue of King Alexander the Great is 6 meters high and placed on a 5-meter pedestal made of dark marble. The statue stands on a surface of white marble for contrast. The area around the statue is very popular with both tourists and locals, and crowds of people gather here especially at sunset. https://www.cestee.pl/cele-podrozy/grecja/saloniki/posag-aleksandra-wielkiego

The Alexander the Great Monument in Thessaloniki is a monumental tribute to one of history’s greatest leaders, celebrating his unparalleled military achievements and lasting influence on Greek and world history. This iconic bronze statue is not only a work of art, but also a symbol of Macedonia’s deep historical roots and cultural identity. It embodies the spirit of Alexander’s era and his enduring legacy, making it an important landmark for locals and tourists alike seeking a deeper connection to the ancient past. https://worldcitytrail.com/pl/2025/03/09/aleksander-wielki-w-salonikach/

The temple is open to visitors daily from 6:00 to 22:00. Entry to the main nave and crypt is free. Of course, when visiting such a place, especially during a service, one should behave with seriousness.

The temple is associated with the legend of St. Demetrius, the patron saint of the city, who was executed on the orders of Emperor Galerius around 305 during the intensified persecution of Christians. According to tradition, he came from a local aristocratic family and, despite his young age (25), held the high office of prefect (local military and civil governor). However, as a crypto-Christian and at the same time a preacher of a new faith, he fell out of favor with the emperor and was imprisoned. In turn, his friend and fellow believer Nestor was sentenced to a mortal duel with an invincible skirmisher and favorite of the emperor named Lieos during the gladiatorial games in the Salonika arena-stadium. Before the fight began, Nestor visited the imprisoned Demetrius and asked for a blessing. To the surprise of the audience, Nestor defeated Lieos in a duel, which was interpreted by the audience as a victory of the new (Christian) faith over the traditional (Greco-Roman pantheon). Despite the victory, the Christians did not save their lives. In a fit of emotion and anger, Galerius ordered both of them to be killed outside the arena. However, this act caused Demetrius to be considered a patron saint protecting the city from invaders. https://www.podrozepoeuropie.pl/saloniki-zwiedzanie/

Although the basilica does not look particularly monumental from the outside, its interior delights with its spaciousness and beautiful decoration. Marble columns with Corinthian capitals divide the space into three naves, but the main one is undoubtedly the golden mosaics depicting the life of St. Dimitrios, which are among the most beautiful in all of Greece. The early Christian Basilica of St. Dimitrios (Demetrius), rich in mosaics and paintings. The history of the temple, originally built as a small oratory, dates back to the 4th century. Over the centuries, the building was destroyed several times by fires and earthquakes, and then rebuilt. It received its current form of a five-nave basilica in the 7th century. Unfortunately, during the fire in 1917, valuable mosaics and wall paintings were lost. https://www.podrozepoeuropie.pl/saloniki-zwiedzanie/

The building was built in 306 AD on a circular plan with a diameter of 24.5 meters and perimeter walls 6 meters thick. Historians still argue about the true purpose of the rotunda. Some claim that the Roman emperor Galerius ordered it built as his own mausoleum and family tomb, while others promote the idea that the structure was intended as a temple to honor and build the cult of the popular emperor. Either way, Galerius died outside Thessaloniki, and the building has since fallen into ruin. https://www.cestee.pl/cele-podrozy/grecja/saloniki/rotunda

The circular rotunda originally connected to the Arch of Galerius is an extremely interesting building and certainly one of the most important Roman monuments of Thessaloniki. After the White Tower, the Rotunda is one of the most visited monuments of the city. The Rotunda is remarkable not only for its well-preserved appearance, but also for its turbulent history, during which it changed several purposes. The Rotunda has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. https://www.cestee.pl/cele-podrozy/grecja/saloniki/rotunda