Walking tour to get to know the city / Thessaloniki Jewry

The aromas, the atmosphere and the history…

Kapani Market in Thessaloniki

Also known as "Agora and Valaly", it is the traditional market of Thessaloniki, which has been operating for more than two centuries. It is considered the city's most central market, combining abundance, cheap prices, and a wide variety of consumer goods.
Located in the city center and consisting of two-and-a-half alleys and several streets that hug and surround it, including Egnatia, Aristotelous, Ermou and Venizelou streets. Right nearby are other traditional markets such as Modiano, Athos Market and Zastany Market. The market is made up of two-story buildings, some of which are even covered.

The name "Kapani" comes from the Turkish expression Un-Kapan, which means flour market. In the past, the market housed residences, workshops, shops, inns, and more. In the center of the market was a small square where small animals were bought and sold. Today, the market is still run like a large bazaar and is of great interest, and quite a few tours of groups from all over the world pass through it in one way or another. In the Thessaloniki Kapani you can find almost everything. The market has alleys of food products - fish, butchers, fruit, bakeries, confectioneries, olive shops, spices, but also clothing stores, housewares, cafes, traditional taverns, and of course shops with souvenirs of the city of Thessaloniki.

Kapani has maintained its character almost unchanged in recent years and is an authentic attraction worth visiting, as it is a lively oriental market that retains its character, and to this day the market has some of the highest quality cafes and raw materials for all Thessalonikians in the historic center of the city.

Jewish connection: Today's Venezolo Street once divided the market area into two parts, the eastern part was controlled by the city's Jews and the western by the Turks. The Jewish residences were located between their warehouses and shops. The market was hit by many disasters. Kapani was destroyed many times in the fires that occurred in Thessaloniki. The most devastating fire occurred in 1917. Most of the burned area belonged to the Jewish community and contained several synagogues and Torah talmudic schools that were destroyed (the synagogues of the Matalon, Mughrabi, Lisbon, Ashkenaz, Talmud Torah communities, etc.). Until 1917, every time a synagogue burned down, it was rebuilt on the same site, later the community was first forbidden to rebuild them.

The renovated Modiano Market (known as Stoa or Agora in Greek)

Located in the center of Thessaloniki, it is a paradise for gluttons. Under one roof with culinary abundance – specialty shops and restaurants from the best chefs in Greece.

The market is actually an experiential food complex and a true paradise for foodies. As in the world's leading food markets, you will find food stalls, breakfast and brunch throughout the day and a street food menu, alongside cheeses, Italian pastas, oils, locally produced honey, fresh Greek coffee, dried fruits, handmade chocolates, herbs and spices, spreads and pickles from all over the world, fresh meat and fish, selected vegetables, wines, and other high-quality and special raw materials.
Among other things, the market features Greek confectioneries with a long tradition, a fish stall that turns into a sushi bar with an open kitchen, flavors from the East and vegan cuisine, Greek breweries, and more. Incidentally, falafel also has its place in the Modiano market: Lebanese falafel is active and unites flavors from two corners of the Mediterranean, Lebanon and Thessaloniki.
So if you are people who are excited about good food and quality ingredients – welcome to Thessaloniki and the renovated Modiano Market.

The Jewish connection and a little history and how it all began…
Engineer Eli Modiano began building the market on the site of the city that was completely destroyed in the fire of 1917. The agora was built on the site of the Talmud Torah synagogue. Archaeologist Ernest Huberard, who planned the reconstruction of Thessaloniki after the Great Fire, foresaw the development of bazaars. Therefore, the market's title in the plans, in French, was "Bazaar Centrale Salonique".

In 1925, Eli Modiano built an elongated, one-story building with a basement and interior balconies, with a total area of approximately 2,707 square meters. The market was inaugurated in 1930 with a grand celebration in Thessaloniki.
It can be assumed and assumed that Modiano Market, the first traditional food market, was closely linked to the history of the city's Jewish community. From the very beginning, it played an important role in the life and operation of the commercial center of Thessaloniki, as it had the best products and was an important commercial point of the city.

Over the next few years, the image of the Agora slowly begins to change, as most of its 144 stores gradually close. Although the Agora's image retains the memories of earlier times, it is far from its original glory, with its final closure in 2016.
In July 2017, Modiano Market was officially taken over by the Pais Group of Companies. Thus, we arrive at 2022, during which Modiano Market will reopen with the concept of a new generation food market.

Flea market in Thessaloniki

Another destination in the beautiful alleys of Thessaloniki that is included in our trips this year.
In the city center, there is a small historical treasure known as Bit Bazaar. Operating since 1928. Hidden among buildings and galleries, the place brings back memories of the past, aromas and flavors of yesteryear.

In addition, you will find hundreds of old objects and smiling people here., always ready to tell you their story. They will take you on a journey about Thessaloniki that you never imagined.

So if you are one of those who are looking for the city's hidden treasures, objects from the past, antiques, textiles, items that have disappeared from our lives over the years, and interesting people.

In the evening, by the way, the place transforms and welcomes hundreds of revelers., students and young people who come to celebrate and enjoy a particularly cheerful atmosphere in the historic Beat Bazaar.
In the evening, the antique shops are replaced by small, traditional taverns serving wine, racina, and small dishes of Mazet.
In short… Beat Bazaar is the place to visit.
Yassou Thessaloniki..🇬🇷
Open Monday to Saturday.. from morning until 4:00 PM

The White Tower, the city's monument!! It is also a symbol of Thessaloniki, standing today on the city's famous promenade (the Paralelia).

The tower looks like a cylinder, 33.90 m high and 22.70 m in diameter. It has a ground floor and six floors, connected by an internal staircase 120 m long, which comes into contact with the outer wall and leaves a circular structure in its center. A core with a diameter of 8.50 m. This creates a circular hall on each floor, with which smaller four-sided rooms communicate, which are located in the thickness of the outer wall. On the top floor is the central hall and outside it is an open roof, from which there is a spectacular view of the city and the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Thessaloniki.

In its long history, the tower has changed names and uses from time to time.. Originally called the 'Lion Tower', it was later called the 'Kalmaria Fortress', and in the 19th century as the 'Jannisher Tower' and the 'Blood Tower'. The latter two names derive from the fact that it was a prison and its appearance was stained with blood from the frequent executions of prisoners by the Janissaries (elite units in the Ottoman Empire's army).

In 1883, by order of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the tower was painted white and was named "The White Tower"." (Beyaz Kule). It was a Jewish prisoner, Nathan Guildi, who whitewashed the tower "and whitened it" in exchange for his freedom. Since then, it has remained under its current name - the White Tower. Over time, it has become a symbol of Thessaloniki, as since 1911 it is almost the last remaining remnant following the demolition of the sea wall and the eastern walls and the wall surrounding it.

The White Tower of Thessaloniki was probably built in the 15th century. According to old descriptions of the city, On the seaward side of the wall, which was demolished in 1867, there were three towers, the eastern one – the White Tower, which was built exactly where the eastern side met the sea wall. After the liberation of Thessaloniki, in 1912, the tower passed into the control of the Greek government and had various uses. A short distance from the White Tower are the two most important museums of Thessaloniki, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Just 400 meters away you will find the statue of Alexander the Great, the great soldier and warrior of the Greek people. .

Today it functions as a museum of the history of Thessaloniki. It houses the new permanent exhibition on Thessaloniki from its founding in 316 BC to the present day. The exhibition concisely presents aspects of the city's history, which is characterized by its uninterrupted historical presence spanning centuries.

The square is one of the city's important monuments, the former gateway to Thessaloniki from the sea and of historical importance, but above all, it is remembered and always linked to the great disaster suffered by the Jews of Thessaloniki during World War II. And which in recent years has remained a subject of discussion and controversy. The latest decision made by the city council is that Freedom Square, which currently serves as a municipal parking lot, will be transformed into a memorial park for the victims of the Holocaust.

It is a central square in Thessaloniki, covering an area of seven dunams. It was built only after the walls along the coast of Thessaloniki, which existed until 1870, were demolished., so it was decided to demolish it, in order to increase the waterfront. The square was not always dry. By 1870 – when the demolition of the city's sea fortifications began – the sea reached the middle of the square. With the expansion of the waterfront, the central and first street to the waterfront was created – Nikis Avenue.
Commercial and shipping companies, banks, office buildings and commercial stores were established in the Liberty Square area. The square got its name as a result of the Young Turk Revolution, which started from this point. The area was destroyed in a fire in 1917 and was redesigned.

At the southern end of Freedom Square is the Holocaust Memorial, a memorial to the Holocaust., 50,000 Salonika Jews who were murdered in the Nazi camps. The memorial was designed by the Glynda brothers and represents the seven-lamp and flame menorah with a cluster of human figures.
Freedom Square is where in July 1942 all male Jews, aged 18 to 45, were ordered to gather. There, after suffering the most severe torture at the hands of the Nazis, they were counted, registered and sent to forced labor, many of whom did not survive.

Apart from the events related to the Jews of Salonika, Eleftheria Square is, among other things, the place from which the liberating army made its triumphant entry in October 1912. The city and the place where Eleftherios Venizelos was received in 1916. The square received its current name in 1908, when the main demonstrations and the founding assembly of the Young Turks movement took place in this specific area.

At the meeting of the most commercial streets of Thessaloniki , Tzimiskes Avenue, Nikis and immediately after Freedom Square next to the port, We will meet the famous Ladika district.

A beautiful historic area, a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike, as well as the city's unique student community. Ladadika It is one of the most prestigious and hottest places in the city when it comes to entertainment! It is essentially a combination of old and new, ancient tradition combined with modernity. The colorful historical and neoclassical buildings illustrate the spirit and character of old Thessaloniki.

The name "Laddikka" comes from the word Ladi (oil in Greek) The shops in the complex marketed oil and various oil products to city residents and merchants. The entire area served as a central market and bazaar during the Ottoman period and even before. In the past, it was also known by other names such as "the Egyptian market".

In the 1970s the area was almost deserted, but it only began to flourish again in 1985, once it was declared a conservation area., thus prohibiting the continuation of new construction in order to leave the colorful buildings preserved in the spirit of its architectural heritage and unique character.
Afterwards, Ladika quickly came back to life, with many small taverns, bars and restaurants opening. Once abandoned buildings have been beautifully renovated and restored and are now the beating heart of Thessaloniki.

The large and central square in ThessalonikiThe square is characterized by semicircular buildings north of Mitropoleos Street, which crosses the square, and continues to Nikis Avenue, to the sea (Aegean).

The square is a popular spot for tourists and locals, brimming with cafes, restaurants and fashion stores. Modernity. The place is a place for political meetings and various festive events throughout the year.

The impressive buildings are located on Mitropoleos Street Among them – the luxury hotel "Electra Palace" and the "Olympion" cinema.

From the heart of the square, you can see the bay above which it lies.And even look out over the horizon to the peak of the mountain of the gods, Olympus.

The Ancient Agora is one of the most important Roman monuments of Thessaloniki. The market is located in the heart of the city between Egnatia Street and Agios Dimitriou Street, on the north side of Aristotelous Square.

The market sits on an area of approximately 20 dunams where there were buildings that served various functions in the city's public life and began to be built at the end of the 2nd century AD on the site of the Hellenistic Agora..

The Ancient Agora was the social, economic, administrative, spiritual and religious center of Thessaloniki. It was connected to the city's two main roads. They ran east-west and north-south – a transportation artery to the other Roman cities.

The site of the Roman agora that is seen exposed today was covered up until 1966, when excavations were conducted for the construction of the city's courthouse.. While the excavations were underway, the first finds of great historical and archaeological value were discovered in this area. Following the discovery and the important finds, they were able to thwart plans for construction and renewal of the entire complex of the old market. The finds at the site include mosaic floors, a section of a marble-paved road 145 m long and 90 m wide with large columns, a gallery and stage, an auditorium, a bathhouse, canals and culverts, as well as silver coins and stone and marble statues. In 1864, by order of the Ottoman government, the statues were transferred to the Louvre Museum by the Frenchman A. Miller. They are there to this day.