Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, Greece

Traditionally called Ano Poli, this neighbourhood in the northern side of Thessaloniki was the favourite of the elites throughout the history of the city. As a result, the urban fabric is weaved with numerous Roman and Ottoman architecture, peeking out from between contemporary houses and cafes. The stone-paved streets and the high city walls along the old acropolis make it really hard to believe which century you are standing in.

Ano Poli in Thessaloniki is not the main city centre; it is way up north and has beautifully preserved medieval times like a scent in a bottle. The eclectic mix of East-European and Turkish culture that is spread across the whole country of Greece can be felt way more evidently in Ano Poli – where time has almost not passed since those days.

The cityscape is painted with houses, shops, mosques and churches of the past and present. Every colour in the palette can be seen on the buildings that line the cobbled streets. The Great Fire of 1917 had wiped out large portions of this part of the town, mainly the Jewish Quarter. But nothing could crush the spirit that Ano Poli has – not the fire, not the several sieges that happened over the years, and certainly not the rise and fall of great empires like the Byzantine and Ottoman and others.

To know what to do in Ano Poli of Thessaloniki, one must know the town first. Taking a walk along the cobblestone paths, enjoying a fresh meal and drink at the open cafes – these are the activities that truly reveal what Ano Poli is.

Other than that, one must certainly visit the House of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of modern Turkey. The house here where he was born during the Ottoman rule is now partially the office of Thessaloniki Municipality. The other part is a museum for the public to see his home and other personal belongings on display.

The tower of Thessaloniki is another must-visit point, or Yedi Kule or Heptapyrgion – depending on which empire you are talking about. A fortress for the garrison to both Byzantine and Ottoman armies and then later, this fortress is now a spectacular structure with great historical importance for the visitors to see. On clear days, Mount Olympus can be seen from Ano Poli as well.