Thessaloniki — The Galleys of Galère

Your journey begins at the Port of Thessaloniki, an ancient economic crossroads already vital under Emperor Galerius. This port, whose modern development was spurred after the 1917 fire, has been managed by the Thessaloniki Port Authority since 1930 and remains a major hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was here that goods and ideas arrived, shaping the destiny of the city and Central Macedonia. The quays, stretching for 4 km, bear witness to an impressive capacity of 10 million tons per year, a direct legacy of Roman imperial funding.

Continue to the Hamza Bey Mosque, an Ottoman edifice erected in 1467-1468 by Vizier Isa Bey in honor of Hamza Bey, Bey of Salonica. Its Ottoman architecture, with a rectangular plan of 13x18 m and a 20 m high minaret, dominates the Vardaraki district. Used as a mosque until 1924, then as a warehouse, it underwent restoration in 2019, preserving this Ottoman heritage in Greece. This stop allows you to appreciate Thessaloniki's cultural transition after the conquest.

The Bedesten of Thessaloniki, erected in 1490 under Sultan Bayezid II, transports you to the heart of prosperous Ottoman trade. This covered market, intended for silks and spices, features a unique octagonal plan, covered by 8 domes and housing 16 small shops over an area of 800 m². Located in the center of the Ottoman Ana Poli district, it was restored in 1978. This building symbolizes Thessaloniki's economic importance and its role as a commercial hub in the Ottoman Empire, a key point for understanding the history of Thessaloniki.

Then, walk towards the Bey Hamam, built in 1444 by Sultan Murad II. These Ottoman public baths, covering an area of 3500 m² and featuring 25 rooms spread over two floors, could accommodate 1000 people per day. Their Turkish style, with a central dome 16 m in diameter, offers a glimpse into daily life of the era. Closed in 1917, this historic monument was restored between 1998 and 2007, an example of Ottoman heritage in Greece. It illustrates the social infrastructures developed by the Ottomans.

Your journey concludes in Dikastirion Square, in the heart of the Ladadika district, named after the old Ottoman courts. Developed in the late 19th century and renovated in 2000, it is surrounded by neoclassical buildings dating from 1880 to 1912. This pedestrian area since 1997 testifies to the historical link with the Sephardic Jewish community and port trade. This outdoor escape game Thessaloniki will have offered you an interactive visit, a thematic circuit to explore the historic center of Thessaloniki, blending Roman remains, Byzantine monuments classified as UNESCO World Heritage 1988, and Greek Ottoman heritage, for an unforgettable discovery of the city.