The walled, lush garden and storybook murals of this 14th century church are beautiful and especially popular for the Anastasi (Easter Resurrection) service, weddings and baptisms. Weekdays are another matter – you may wander the peaceful garden entirely alone but for the birds in the trees. [Apostolou Pavlou & Irodotou • Tel. (+30) 2310.209.913 • Open daily 8:30 – 15:30, except Mondays.]
© Konstantinos Tsakalidis
The founder of the modern Turkish state was born in 1881 in this Ottoman-style house at Ano Poli’s southern edge. The house, beautifully preserved, is now the site of both the Turkish Consulate and the Kemal Ataturk Museum, which displays many of his personal effects and photographs from various stages of his life. A very popular destination, especially among Turkish visitors. [75 Apostolou Pavlou, Tel. (+30) 2310.965.070 • Open daily 10:00 – 17.00.]
© Alexandros Avramidis
This Early Christian chapel (5th-6th century) is perhaps best known for its magnificent mosaic – easily the city’s most impressive – a vivid rendering of Ezekiel’s vision of Christ ascending into Heaven. The mosaic was covered and entirely forgotten, only to be dramatically revealed centuries later in an earthquake. The church has a spectacular view. [7 Timotheou • Tel. (+30) 2310.221.506 • Open Tue-Sat 11:00 – 17:00, Sun 11:00 – 14:00.]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Until the Second World War, this small public square was one of liveliest in the Upper Town, surrounded by traditional coffee shops, elegant buildings and bath houses. The building pictured is a typical example of 19th century Balkan architecture. It was restored and is now being used by Aristotle University’s School of Fine Arts.
© Alexandros Avramidis
Viewable at present only from the outside. This 16th century structure, currently undergoing restoration, is the only well-preserved Ottoman mausoleum in the city. [Terpsithea Square]
Truly a beautiful and contemplative space, this 15th century mosque retains much of its original opulence. It is now used for exhibitions. [91 Cassandrou • Tel. (+30) 2310.278.587 • Open Tue – Sun 11:00 –18:00]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Amber Charmei | December 2nd, 2015
It might be tempting to stick to the city center on your visit. But a trip to the city’s northern district, the Upper Town (Ano Poli) is full of landmarks that have borne witness to the city’s changing fortunes through history. A trip to these parts is worth it for the views alone.
The walled, lush garden and storybook murals of this 14th century church are beautiful and especially popular for the Anastasi (Easter Resurrection) service, weddings and baptisms. Weekdays are another matter – you may wander the peaceful garden entirely alone but for the birds in the trees. [Apostolou Pavlou & Irodotou • Tel. (+30) 2310.209.913 • Open daily 8:30 – 15:30, except Mondays.]
© Konstantinos Tsakalidis
The founder of the modern Turkish state was born in 1881 in this Ottoman-style house at Ano Poli’s southern edge. The house, beautifully preserved, is now the site of both the Turkish Consulate and the Kemal Ataturk Museum, which displays many of his personal effects and photographs from various stages of his life. A very popular destination, especially among Turkish visitors. [75 Apostolou Pavlou, Tel. (+30) 2310.965.070 • Open daily 10:00 – 17.00.]
© Alexandros Avramidis
This Early Christian chapel (5th-6th century) is perhaps best known for its magnificent mosaic – easily the city’s most impressive – a vivid rendering of Ezekiel’s vision of Christ ascending into Heaven. The mosaic was covered and entirely forgotten, only to be dramatically revealed centuries later in an earthquake. The church has a spectacular view. [7 Timotheou • Tel. (+30) 2310.221.506 • Open Tue-Sat 11:00 – 17:00, Sun 11:00 – 14:00.]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Until the Second World War, this small public square was one of liveliest in the Upper Town, surrounded by traditional coffee shops, elegant buildings and bath houses. The building pictured is a typical example of 19th century Balkan architecture. It was restored and is now being used by Aristotle University’s School of Fine Arts.
© Alexandros Avramidis
Viewable at present only from the outside. This 16th century structure, currently undergoing restoration, is the only well-preserved Ottoman mausoleum in the city. [Terpsithea Square]
Truly a beautiful and contemplative space, this 15th century mosque retains much of its original opulence. It is now used for exhibitions. [91 Cassandrou • Tel. (+30) 2310.278.587 • Open Tue – Sun 11:00 –18:00]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Ano Poli, with its cobbled alleys and Byzantine and Ottoman-era...
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