Aristotelous Square: The Heartbeat of Thessaloniki

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Neh]
• NoΌχι
  [Ochi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Tee kanete]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esees]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Mee-late Anglika]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveeno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha eethela na do to menoo, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Στην υγειά μας!
  [Stin yia mas]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha eethela na ploreeso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voeetheea]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Feege]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste teen Astinoomeea]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ena yatro]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hatee]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eeme arrrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha eethela na agorasoo]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla keetao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto eine poli akreevo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να ρίξετε την τιμή;
  [Boreete na reeksete teen timee]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Tee ora eine]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Eine meea ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misee (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proee]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apo-yevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simeera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Aureeo]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennea]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Poo eine ena/to]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Peea eine ee dieeftinsee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boreete na mou deexte (sto har-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote eine to epomeno (leoforeeo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για...);
  [Ena eesiteereo (ya)]

Aristotelous Square, designed in the 1910s by architect Ernst Ziller, was part of a grand urban plan following the Great Fire of 1917 that devastated much of Thessaloniki. This pivotal event prompted a significant reconstruction effort, transforming the cityscape and establishing the square as a central public space, named after the ancient philosopher Aristotle, who hailed from nearby Stagira.

Throughout the 20th century, Aristotelous Square emerged as a vibrant hub of Thessaloniki's cultural and social life. It became a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting various events, festivals, and public performances, thereby solidifying its role as a focal point in the city's cultural landscape.

During World War II, Aristotelous Square witnessed significant turmoil as Thessaloniki fell under Axis occupation. The square was a site of resistance and protest, where citizens gathered to voice their opposition to the occupation, reflecting the resilience of the local population amidst hardship.

In the aftermath of the war, Aristotelous Square underwent further development, with new cafes, shops, and hotels emerging, contributing to the city's economic recovery. The square became a symbol of the city's resilience, showcasing Thessaloniki's ability to rebuild and adapt in the face of adversity.

Today, Aristotelous Square is recognized not only as a historical landmark but also as a vital part of Thessaloniki's contemporary identity. It serves as a venue for public gatherings and cultural events, bridging the rich historical past with the dynamic present of the city, and is often regarded as the heart of Thessaloniki.

Aristotelous Square is centrally located in Thessaloniki, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you are coming from the train station (Thessaloniki Railway Station), you can take tram Line 1 towards the city center. Alternatively, local buses connect many areas of the city to the square. From the airport, take the airport bus (Line 78 or 78N) to the city center, which will drop you near Aristotelous Square.

Aristotelous Square is pedestrian-friendly, and most attractions in the vicinity can be explored on foot. The city has a reliable public transport system, including buses and trams. You can also rent bicycles from local shops or use bike-sharing services to navigate the area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for longer distances.

Aristotelous Square is generally safe for tourists. However, like in any major city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, especially around the waterfront. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Areas with higher crime rates include certain parts of the Ano Poli (Upper Town), so exercise caution when exploring.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available, and having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is advisable. For minor health issues, pharmacies are dispersed throughout the city, and many offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking, and consider the weather; don’t wear overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, and when visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees; don’t take photos in places where it's prohibited. Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly passengers; don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or handshake; don’t assume everyone speaks English—learning a few Greek phrases can be helpful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like souvlaki and baklava; don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Aristotelous Square like a local, visit the nearby markets, such as Modiano Market, where you can sample fresh produce and local delicacies. Spend time at the cafes lining the square, where you can enjoy people-watching and savor traditional Greek coffee. Participate in local events or festivals if your visit coincides with one, as these are great opportunities to engage with the community. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations—they are often eager to share their favorite spots.