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Thessaloniki History Center: A Chronicle of the City

Explore Thessaloniki's past through archives, exhibitions, and research at the History Center in Hippodrome Square.

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The Thessaloniki History Center, located in Hippodrome Square, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich historical heritage of Thessaloniki and the wider Macedonia region. Through its extensive collections and engaging programs, the center offers a deep dive into the city's past, from its founding to its modern development.

A brief summary to Thessaloniki History Center

Local tips

  • Check the center's website or call ahead for information on current exhibitions, lectures, and events.
  • Take advantage of the center's library and archives for in-depth research on Thessaloniki's history.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Hippodrome Square and explore the surrounding historical sites.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Thessaloniki History Center is located on Ippodromiou Square, a short walk from many central Thessaloniki locations. From Aristotelous Square, walk north towards Egnatia Street, then turn left and walk west. Ippodromiou Square will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the area around Ippodromiou Square. Check OASTH (Organization of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A standard single-ride ticket costs €0.60. From the Port of Thessaloniki, you can take buses 03, 15, or 39. The closest bus stop is 150m from the port's passenger terminal.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. A taxi ride from the Thessaloniki train station to the city center will cost around €5. From the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station to the city center, expect to pay around €7. Keep in mind that there may be additional charges for luggage or booking in advance. The base fare is €1.30, and the daytime rate is €0.74 per kilometer. Nighttime rate (00:00 to 05:00) is €1.30 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Thessaloniki History Center

The Thessaloniki History Center (KITH), established in 1983 and housed in a building on Hippodrome Square since 1995, serves as a repository and promoter of the city's vibrant past. The building itself, a gift from Anastasios and Ioulia Billis, is an example of interwar architecture, adding to the center's historical ambiance. The center's mission is to gather, rescue, record, and preserve printed, written, and audio-visual materials related to the history of Thessaloniki and the broader Macedonia region. Its collections include historical documents, archives, photographs, and maps that chronicle the city's diverse history. The library boasts rare and valuable books, magazines, and newspapers covering various historical periods, from the Ottoman era to the 20th century. The KITH also plays a vital role in facilitating historical research, offering researchers valuable resources for studying local history. In addition, the center organizes exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs that connect citizens with their city's history and promote the preservation of Thessaloniki's cultural heritage. The center also publishes a scholarly journal titled "Thessaloniki", featuring original articles and books about the city and its history. Founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon, who named it after his wife Thessalonike, the city has been a significant metropolis throughout various empires. As the second-largest city of the Byzantine Empire and a multi-ethnic metropolis under Ottoman rule, Thessaloniki's history is rich and complex. The History Center serves as a crucial institution for understanding and appreciating this layered past.

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