Thessaloniki

 When we woke up the captain was maneuvering the ship into place with the help of this pilot boat. 

The air was crisp and cool and the sea gulls were wheeling overhead, curious about our boat and welcoming us into port.

                   Yes, that is Mt. Olympus 

We had breakfast in our room since our excursion left at 9 am. 

Walking down the gangway toward the port terminal.

              Our tour guide, Anastasia 

Looking towards the communications tower 

on the grounds of the International Fair. 

Thessaloniki's version of the Space Needle.

The White Tower with what remains of the fortification walls. This tower was constructed in the 15th century by the Ottoman Empire to fortify the city after they captured it in 1430. It has been a prison and the sight of mass executions. When Greece got control of the city in 1912, the tower was whitewashed and became a symbol of the city.  It sits right on the sea.

View of the Aegean Sea and Mt. Olympus from the base of the White Tower.

               Statue of Alexander the Great 

As we drove from the White Tower and the seashore up to the Citadel, we drove past portions of the old city walls that are still standing. 

                          Citadel walls

 View from the acropolis, which literally means "high city." In Thessaloniki, an ancient fortress, the Heptapyrgion (modern Eptapyrgio), is built on the acropolis.

The tower at the top, used as a fortification 

Looking down from the Acropolis and citadel, we could see the Rotunda of Roman Emperor Galerius, built in the 4th century A.D.  Alternately used as a polytheistic temple, Christian church, and mosque.

Remaining walls and remnants of the Heptapyrgion, a Byzantine and Ottoman Era fortress

The fortress was used as a prison from the late 19th century until as recently as 1989.

We drove back down to the center of town, past the Aristotle University, to visit the Archeological Museum.

These sarcophogi were in front of the museum. The carvings were intricate and detailed and seemed to be telling a story. 

Our guide limited our visit to the exhibition of the Macedonian gold. Gold was a big thing in ancient Macedonia! 

Anastasia explaining where the gold was found.

The large gold piece was placed on the mouth of the deceased person.

                        Amazing details

                     Laurel  wreath of gold

This bracelet could be in a showcase at Van Cleef and Arpels. The skill of the goldsmith is amazing. 

This majestic vessel, known as the Derveni Crater, dates from 330-320 B.C. Made of bronze and tin, it was originally used to mix water and wine. It's final use was as a depository urn for ashes in a burial. The scenes depict the marriage on Dionysus and Ariadne and the god's followers in orgiastic ecstasy.  It is the only vessel of it's kind found to date. 

Driving past The Rotunda of Emperor Galerius 

We drove down Egnatia St. past The Arch of Galerius. This main commercial thoroughfare is named for Via Egnatia, the ancient road that passed near the city.

Our last stop was the Church of St. Demetrius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Demetrius was a Greek Christian martyr, born 270 AD and killed by the Romans in about 303-306 AD. According to our guide, he was imprisoned and killed in the Roman Baths that once stood here. The first church was built on this site in the 4th century AD. It was destroyed by fires and the current building was built 629-634 AD. 

           Ancient frescos adorn the walls

The old Roman baths are now in a crypt underneath the alter.

White marble structure said to house the relics of the Saint.

Back on the boat, this is a view of the city from the Explorer's Lounge. 

We enjoyed sunset and live music in the Explorer's Lounge.  The lighted zodiac became visible as the sun set. 

Supper, including multiple desserts at World Cafe. The food has been really good, especially the gelato!

                Good night Thessaloniki