Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the Kastra, head for the
viewing platform
. For panoramic views, enter
the recently openedpyrgos(tower) at the easternmost end of the walls surround-
ing the inner citadel or Eptapyrgio. Follow the walls west on the main road (also
called Eptapyrgio); after Agathangelou, to see the church and museum at leafy
Monastery of Vlatadon
(
Click here
)
.
Continue west along Eptapyrgio, turn left down the stairs on Sthenonos and veer
right along Dimitriou Poliorkitou. Further left, a narrow stairway doubles back-
wards; follow it down and turn left on Parodos Kassianis to the 5th-century
Church of Osios David
(
Click here
)
, with rare 12th-century frescoes of Christ's
baptism, and holy water from an ancient spring.
From here, wander labyrinthine Ano Poli eastwards along the small streets. The
most direct route follows Fotiou across Akropolitis and straight on Krispou, then
along Arolou, back up on Moreas, and right on Amfitryonos before turning left on
quisite 14th-century frescoes. The friendly English-speaking caretaker can explain
the church's history and art.
Returning to Moreas, go south, crossing Olymbiados to Kassandrou. Walk sever-
al blocks west and turn south on Agiou Nikolaou. On your right,
Yeni Hamam
(
Click here
) is a restored 17th-century Turkish bath, also called Aigli. This volumin-
ous, atmospheric structure hosts concerts.
its own square. See the saint's relics, the 8th-century mosaics near the altar, and
the otherworldly, subterranean crypt, where St Dimitrios was martyred.
Continue south on Agnostou Stratiotou across Olympou, for the
Roman
Agora
(
Click here
)
. The marked entrance leads to a helpful explanatory board.
Return to Agiou Dimitriou and proceed east nine blocks to
Atatürk's House
(
Click here
) on your left, inside the Turkish consulate.
A block further east on Agiou Dimitriou, turn right on Dimitriou Gounari for the
Rotunda of Galerius
(
Click here
)
. Gape at its grandeur inside and inspect the
ruins behind. Continue downhill to the photogenic, statue-studded
Arch of
Galerius
at Kamara. Crossing Egnatia, continue downhill. Roman ruins on this ped-
Continue downhill, cross Tsimiski and, at Plateia Fanarioton, arc left down Pavlou
Continue west for a seaside stroll.
Leave the water by crossing Leof Nikis at Agias Sofias. See the
Church of
Agia Sofia
(
Click here
)
by walking up until Plateia Agias Sofias, or proceed west on
Tsimiski, with fashionable shops. You'll hit Aristotelous, with cafes, unique architec-
ture and lively
Plateia Aristotelous
.
