Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker A Greek appeals court will soon decide whether to extradite a 17-year-old Polish national wanted in Poland for the brutal murder of a 16-year-old girl with whom he allegedly had a relationship The teenager was arrested last Thursday in the northern Greek town of Katerini where he was participating in a student exchange program His arrest was carried out under a European warrant issued by Polish authorities He appeared before a Thessaloniki prosecutor on Monday to initiate extradition proceedings accompanied by his mother who traveled from Poland told the court he did not want to be extradited citing threats allegedly made against him through his family Pending a decision by the Thessaloniki Appeals Council which will hold a public hearing on the extradition request the minor will remain in custody at a juvenile detention facility in Kassaveteia the crime took place on April 23 in the town of Mlawa The suspect allegedly lured the victim to an abandoned carpentry workshop where he repeatedly struck her with an axe or hammer poured an unidentified chemical substance over her body Her remains were later found in a plastic garbage bin Greek police located the suspect at a hotel in Katerini where he was staying as part of the exchange program Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox Olympiacos reclaimed the Greek Super League title in style with a commanding 4-2 victory over PAOK in the penultimate round of the Stoiximan Super League play-offs The win at the “Georgios Karaiskakis” Stadium capped off a dominant home campaign for the Piraeus giants who remained unbeaten at home throughout the season and completed a clean sweep over their main rivals—AEK Despite conceding within the opening minute after a costly error allowed Andrija Živković to score for PAOK Olympiacos responded with composure and attacking flair A well-worked move in the 14th minute saw Gelson Martins assist El Kaabi who teed up Velde to hammer in the equaliser The hosts took control of the match by the 30th minute with a powerful header from El Kaabi off a pinpoint Santiago Hezze cross giving them the lead remained in the fight and levelled the match once more before halftime through Živković who completed his brace following a dazzling solo run and assist from Konstantelias But Olympiacos proved too strong in the second half Chiquinho restored the lead in the 80th minute after Martins sliced through the defence a swift counterattack saw Yaremchuk set up Martins for a sharp finish sealing the 4-2 triumph and sparking celebrations across Karaiskakis as the 48th title returned to Piraeus after a three-year absence Panathinaikos locked in second place with a gritty 2-1 away win over AEK at the “Agia Sophia” Stadium Erik Lamela gave the hosts the lead just before halftime converting a low cross from Aboubakary Koita The “Trifylli” responded with authority in the second half equalising through a stunning long-range effort from Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi in the 51st minute striker Karol Swiderski slotted home a penalty that would prove decisive With Panathinaikos now mathematically secure in second and guaranteed a place in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers the final round against Olympiacos on May 11 is reduced to a symbolic clash between the eternal enemies of Greek football Aris secured fifth place despite being held to a 1-1 draw away to OFI The Cretans struck early through Vasilios Lampropoulos but Aris salvaged a point with a late equaliser from Dario Spikic in the 89th minute Their position was guaranteed after Asteras Tripolis fell to a heavy 4-1 home defeat against Atromitos who blitzed the first half with goals from Makana Baku A solitary second-half goal from Tasos Chatzigiovanis did little to change the outcome their European fate could hinge on the Greek Cup Final they could snatch the final European ticket Tuesday’s upcoming fixtures—Kallithea vs Panetolikos and Lamia vs Levadiakos—will help determine the final standings in what has been a tightly contested battle for survival Olympiacos played its final home match of the season hosting PAOK for MD5 round of the Stoiximan Super League Playoffs thus maintaining their unbeaten record at their home ground PAOK took the lead just 44 seconds in through Zivković but Olympiacos turned the game around with goals from Velde and El Kaabi in 14’ and 30’ The visitors equalized in 32’ again through Zivković but Chiquinho made it 3–2 in the 81st minute OLYMPIACOS (Jose Luis Mendilibar): Anagnostopoulos Greek police forensic experts search the spot where a 38-year-old woman was killed early Saturday when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands Greek police forensic experts search the area where a 38-year-old woman was killed early Saturday when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands outside a bank branch On the fence of the bank branch reads : “Justice is to resist A Greek police forensic expert searches for evidence at the area where a 38-year-old woman was killed early Saturday when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands outside a bank branch Greek policemen and forensic experts are seen at the area where a 38-year-old woman was killed early Saturday when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands outside a bank branch Greece (AP) — A woman was killed early Saturday in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands The 38-year-old woman apparently was carrying the bomb to place outside a nearby bank around 5 a.m. Several storefronts and vehicles were damaged by the explosion had a criminal record related to drugs and prostitution and had been involved in at least one robbery and thefts in the past The Greek police’s division for organized crime was investigating the incident while authorities were also investigating whether the woman might have had ties to extreme leftist groups attributed to various organized crime groups The country also has a long history of politically motivated violence dating back to the 1970s with domestic extremist groups carrying out small-scale bombings that usually cause some damage but rarely lead to injuries While the groups most active in the 1980s and 1990s whose preferred targets tended to be politicians a man believed to have been trying to assemble a bomb was killed when the device he was making exploded in a central Athens apartment A woman inside the apartment was severely injured It was unclear what their intended target might have been The blast had prompted Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis to warn of an emerging new generation of domestic extremists a new group calling itself Revolutionary Class Struggle claimed responsibility for a bomb that exploded in central Athens near the offices of Hellenic Train and the planting of another bomb near the Labor Ministry in early February The explosion near the train offices resulted in limited damage to the building and no injuries It had been preceded by an anonymous call to local media 40 minutes before the blast warning about the device leading police to evacuate and cordon off the area The group that claimed responsibility said the bombing was part of an armed struggle against the state The bombing at the train offices came shortly after the second anniversary of Greece’s worst railway disaster in which 57 people were killed and dozens more injured when a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions were accidentally put on the same track The deadly accident sparked widespread anger and exposed severe deficiencies in Greece’s railway system Some of the relatives of the victims led mass protests against the country’s conservative government on the occasion of the accident’s second anniversary and Elena Becatoros in Jerusalem contributed The 38-year-old woman who died in an explosion outside a bank in central Thessaloniki on Saturday morning when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands is believed to have been closely linked to a known anti-authoritarian figure currently imprisoned for bank robberies and bombings According to officials from the police and Ministry of Citizen Protection the woman was part of the circle around the jailed bank robber who has been accused of a series of violent acts in both Thessaloniki and Athens Among them was the sending of a parcel bomb to the Thessaloniki Court of Appeal in February 2024 – an incident that remains under investigation by the anti-terrorism officers Authorities say the 38-year-old victim had a criminal record of her own She had previously been arrested with the same anti-authoritarian figure following a bank robbery during which she was found carrying a Kalashnikov rifle in a backpack Investigators now believe she was in the process of planting an explosive device outside the bank when it detonated prematurely Two primary motives are being considered: a politically motivated symbolic act or an attempted theft targeting the ATM The site of the blast remains cordoned off and the Organized Crime Directorate has taken over the investigation The explosion caused significant damage to the parking area A 38-year-old woman who was seriously injured in an explosion in a parking lot next to a bank branch at the intersection of Platonos and Agios Dimitriou streets The woman was rushed to Ippokrateio Hospital but ultimately succumbed to her wounds “It appears that she was carrying an explosive device and planned to plant it a bank’s ATM,” a senior police official told Reuters “Something went wrong and exploded in her hands,” the official added By subscribing I accept the terms of use and privacy policy Before going abroad, Britons are advised to check the latest travel advice for their chosen destination A travel warning has been issued to holidaymakers in Greece following an explosion in the city of Thessaloniki in the early hours of Saturday morning A woman has died when an explosive device she was carrying detonated Police have launched a criminal investigation into the fatal explosion Officials believe the woman had intended to plant the explosive at a bank ATM before the fatal detonation "It appears that she was carrying an explosive device and planned to plant it at a bank's ATM Something went wrong and exploded in her hands," a senior police official told Reuters Police confirmed an investigation is underway Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued guidance for Britons in the area following the incident It stated: "There has been an explosion in Thessaloniki in the early morning of May 3 you should take care and follow the advice of the local authorities." The FCDO recently provided updated travel information for holidaymakers heading to Greece this summer following extreme weather hitting parts of the country Flash flooding and storms battered the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes The islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos experienced increased seismic activity in early 2025. The FCDO said: "Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. "To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government's Emergency Communication Service (in English)." Thessaloniki is located in northern Greece To register for alerts on iPhones, users should go to Settings, then Notifications, and enable the "Emergency Alerts" option. Android 11 and higher users can access this via Settings, Notifications, Advanced Settings, and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Samsung device owners should navigate to Settings, Apps, Messages, Notifications, Emergency Notifications and enable the relevant option. The FCDO recommended following 112 Greece on X for official updates during emergencies. Police say the woman planned to plant the bomb in a bank’s ATM Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A woman has died in Greece when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands The 38-year-old woman was carrying the bomb to place it outside a nearby bank in the northern city of Thessaloniki at around 5am, police said. Several storefronts and vehicles were damaged by the explosion. The woman was known to authorities after taking part in several past robberies, according to police. They said they are investigating her possible ties to extreme leftist groups. "It appears that she was carrying an explosive device and planned to plant it [at] a bank's ATM," a senior police official told Reuters. "Something went wrong and exploded in her hands," the official added. A 38-year-old woman who was seriously injured in an early-morning explosion in central Thessaloniki has died from her injuries. The blast occurred in a parking lot next to a bank branch, at the intersection of Platonos and Agios Dimitriou streets, at around 5 a.m. The woman was rushed to Ippokrateio Hospital but ultimately succumbed to her wounds. Speaking to SKAI, police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou stated that investigators are working to determine whether the victim was a passerby or somehow connected to the incident. She noted that the woman was known to the police, including for her involvement in robberies. According to police sources, investigators suspect the device may have exploded in her hands before she could place it at a bank ATM. It is understood that police are in possession of audiovisual material that supports this scenario. The Organized Crime Directorate has taken over the investigation, while the surrounding area remains cordoned off. The powerful explosion caused extensive damage to the parking facility, nearby businesses, residences, and multiple vehicles.  Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox. govt and politics"},{"score":0.863076,"label":"/law govt and politics/law enforcement"},{"score":0.81997,"label":"/society/crime/property crime/robbery"},{"score":0.786711,"label":"/law The last training session ahead of the game took place on Saturday (03.05) morning in Nea Mesimvria and included work on the final tactical details The team’s treatment room is now empty and all of the players are at the disposal of Razvan Lucescu The squad will travel to Athens in the afternoon where they will spend the night in view of Sunday’s derby The Russian forward received the ball with his back to goal, bypassed Mantalos with an impressive flick, and passed to Pelkas who scored to make it 3-2 and complete a superb comeback win for the Double-headed Eagle was Ali Samatta’s magical skill in the game against Asteras Tripolis when he skipped past two players before setting up Taison to score The podium was completed by Giannis Michailides with 26.74%, for his fantastic long ball in behind the home defence in the derby with AEK, which was converted into a goal by Giannis Konstantelias Watch the Play of the Month again and subscribe to PAOK’s official YouTube channel to be always first to get all the latest news and content about our beloved club Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram Viber Community PAOK FC Official App:  Play Store / App Store A woman died early Saturday after an explosion next to bank in the northern greek city of Thessaloniki The 38-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her wounds as her hand was mutilated during the blast Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou said that investigators are working to determine whether the woman was carrying the device that exploded She told Skai TV that the woman was known to the police including for her involvement in robberies investigators suspect the device may have exploded in her hands before she could place it at a bank ATM Greece's Organized Crime Directorate has taken over the investigation while the surrounding area remains cordoned off in a phone call with US President Donald Trump expressed support for US negotiations with Iran and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and said Ankara would continue to take steps to advance cooperation with the United States in many areas according to the readout of the call shared by the presidency cutting glare and heat gain while creating shifting patterns of light and shade throughout the day.  and inspiring learning environment—one that seamlessly integrates with the campus landscape while fostering collaboration and innovation,’ shares PILA principal Ilias Papageorgiou ‘This project embodies our belief that architecture can shape not only spaces but also the way knowledge is shared and communities are built.’ The building by Athens and New York-based studio PILA is the first to break ground, with completion expected by Fall 2027, under a masterplan developed by UK-based Bennetts Associates Set to complete a group of four main buildings alongside Bissell Library the project helps shape a new academic quad a green core where learning and social life intersect The aim is to create a flexible hub that can evolve with future educational needs while reinforcing a sense of community on campus ‘Anatolia is making a transformative commitment to the future of private tertiary education with plans for significant investment in the coming years,’ he notes ‘This bold vision will culminate in the establishment of a pioneering private university internationally integrated education that sets a new standard for academic excellence.’ architecture studio PILA unveils plans for a university building at Anatolia College in Thessaloniki The design is shaped by PILA’s belief that learning doesn’t just happen indoors A large open-air amphitheater and outdoor study zones extend academic activity beyond the classroom while carefully placed pathways and seating nooks foster informal encounters A sculptural central staircase doubles as bleacher seating making it a natural gathering spot for talks the building offers a mix of spaces — quiet zones for individual focus and multi-functional rooms with movable walls and retractable seating The second floor includes a dedicated media center designed to support creative and digital learning while the classrooms are fitted with acoustic and lighting systems optimized for concentration and conversation.  the team opens the building to the campus through transparent edges the facade uses vertical rotating panels to filter sunlight a large open-air amphitheater and outdoor study zones extend academic activity beyond the classroom a sculptural central staircase doubles as bleacher seating the aim is to create a flexible hub that can evolve with future educational name: University Building at Anatolia College architect: PILA Studio | @pila.studio location: Thessaloniki client: Anatolia College | @anatoliacollege structural & MEP design: Arxiko Engineers acoustic design: G. Chatzigeorgiou Acoustical Engineers happening now! partnering with antonio citterio, AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function, but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style, context, and personal expression. Two 19-year-old men have been charged in connection with the alleged assault of a 52-year-old bus driver last month in a village near Thessaloniki, police said. The incident occurred in the village of Triadi, in the municipality of Thermi, after the driver reportedly asked the teenagers to move their motorbike, which was blocking a bus stop. According to the driver, the confrontation escalated and he was physically attacked. He was hospitalised for three days and filed a formal complaint with police after his release. Authorities identified one suspect shortly after the incident, while the second was confirmed more recently. A case file has been submitted to the Thessaloniki prosecutor’s office. Motorists traveling between Athens and Thessaloniki this week are advised to make a bit more time for their journey, as road works are being carried out on a key part of the national highway in central Greece.  According to the highway operator, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, tunnels T1 and T2 at the Vale of Tempe will be closed to traffic.  Cars and other vehicles will be rerouted onto the old national road, using the section between Evangelismos and Leptokarya. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Graves unearthed in northern Greece contain bones widely believed to be from victims of the country’s civil war in the late 1940s. In the shadow of a notorious prison, the burial site contains at least 33 bodies, some executed. Officials hope DNA testing will identify the victims, many believed to be political prisoners slain after summary trials. Construction crews uncover a mass grave in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, on Feb. 28, 2025, containing remains believed to belong to dozens of prisoners executed during or after the Greek civil war. (Municipality of Neapoli-Sykies via AP) A drone photo shows a square where mass graves have been uncovered with remains believed to be dozens of prisoners slain during or after the Greek Civil War, in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Civil engineer Ηaris Charismiadis leads the redevelopment of a square that uncovered mass graves with remains believed to be dozens of prisoners executed during or after the Greek Civil War as members of the Greek Communist Party visit the site in Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) A drone photo shows Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, looms over the Greek city of Thessaloniki on Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) A girl holds a flower as people sit on a wall outside Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Author and historian Spyros Kouzinopoulos holds a newspaper announcing the Sept. 15, 1947, court ruling to execute 52 people being held at Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Author and historian Spyros Kouzinopoulos holds a newspaper announcing the Sept. 15, 1947, court ruling to execute 52 people being held at Yedi Kule prison, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Agapios Sachinis holds a portrait of his uncle, a prisoner executed in the Greek Civil War, in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Simos Daniilidis, mayor of Neapoli-Sykies, poses in front of a monument in Thessaloniki, Greece, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) People walk outside Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Flowers lie at the site where mass graves containing remains believed to have belonged to dozens of prisoners executed during or after the Greek Civil War were uncovered in Thessaloniki, Greece, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) An officer reads execution orders to four condemned youths at a military installation near Athens, Greece, Oct. 29, 1947, as members of a firing squad stand with their backs to the camera. The youths, all from Peristeri, an Athens suburb, were convicted of aiding a Communist rebellion, conspiracy and a slaying. (AP Photo, File) “We found many bullets in the heads, the skulls,” supervising engineer Haris Charismiadis said, standing on earth overturned by four months of digging. A drone photo shows Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, in Thessaloniki, Greece, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Greece’s archaeological service cleared the site for development because the bones are less than 100 years old. But authorities in Neapolis-Sykies, a suburb of the coastal city of Thessaloniki, pressed on with excavation, saying the chance find has “great historical and national importance.” Descendants have been coming to the site in recent weeks, leaving flowers and asking authorities to conduct DNA testing “so they can retrieve the remains of their grandfather, great-grandfather or uncle,” said Simos Daniilidis, who has served as Neapolis-Sykies’ mayor since 1994. As many as 400 Yedi Kule prisoners were executed, according to historians and the Greek Communist Party. Items found with the bodies — a woman’s shoe, a handbag, a ring — offer glimpses into the lives cut short. Agapios Sachinis holds a portrait of his uncle, a prisoner executed in the Greek Civil War, in Thessaloniki, Greece, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) For the families of slain pro-Communist Greeks, the find in the Park of National Resistance is reviving a wartime legacy kept dormant to avoid reigniting old animosities. The small site has become Greece’s first Civil War mass grave to be exhumed. Government forces executed 19-year-old Agapios Sachinis after he refused to sign a declaration renouncing his political beliefs. “These are not simple matters,” his namesake nephew said during a recent visit to the site. “It’s about carrying inside you not just courage, but values and dignity you won’t compromise — not even to save your own life,” said Agapios Sachinis, 78. A retired Communist city council member, Sachinis was imprisoned in the 1960s for his political activity during the dictatorship. Today, Greece’s Communist Party belongs to the political mainstream, largely thanks to its role in the country’s WWII resistance. If Sachinis’ uncle’s remains are identified, he said, he will cremate them and keep the ashes at his home. “I want Agapios close to me, at least while I’m alive,” he said. A girl holds a flower as people sit on a wall outside Yedi Kule prison, which is now a museum, in Thessaloniki, Greece, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Greece’s Civil War began in the wake of World War II. Coming after continent-wide destruction, it quickly lost international attention but the conflict marked a turning point: U.S. President Harry Truman’s policy of anti-communist intervention — the Truman Doctrine — was presented to Congress in 1947 as a means to direct funds and military support to Greece. Etched on the newly excavated bones in Thessaloniki, then, is a playbook that went on to produce decades of repression, societal divisions and more unmarked graves in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Governments later addressing the Cold War-era abuses and atrocities faced a painful choice: To unearth the past — as attempted with investigative commissions in Eastern Europe and many Latin American countries — or suppress it for fear of fresh division. Greek emergency laws were gradually lifted and only fully abolished in 1989. Records of summary trials and executions were never made public. No political force pushed for the excavation of suspected burial sites. From the AP Archives: An officer reads execution orders to four condemned youths at a military installation near Athens, Greece, Oct. 29, 1947, as members of a firing squad stand with their backs to the camera. The youths, all from Peristeri, an Athens suburb, were convicted of aiding a Communist rebellion, conspiracy and a slaying. (AP Photo, File) Politicians still use highly cautious language when addressing the past and the Thessaloniki discovery was met with a subdued public reaction. The find has not been directly addressed by the country’s center-right government – a reminder that many Greeks still find it easier to walk past the country’s ghosts than confront them. Decades ago, the neighborhood park in Thessaloniki — a densely populated port city of a million with ruins from the ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman eras, with historically strong Balkan and Jewish influences — was a field on the outskirts of the city. Today, it’s frequented by retirees and ringed by apartment buildings filled with middle-class families. During construction, residents whispered that bones had been discovered when foundations were laid, but no inquiry was conducted. Author and historian Spyros Kouzinopoulos holds a newspaper announcing the Sept. 15, 1947, court ruling to execute 52 people being held at Yedi Kule prison, in Thessaloniki, Greece, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Executions by army firing squads extended into the 1950s and were publicly announced, but graves were unmarked and secret. Author and historian Spyros Kouzinopoulos, a Thessaloniki native, spent decades researching the executions at Yedi Kule, including the indignities endured by prisoners in their final hours. After a military tribunal issued a death sentence, the chief guard would take the condemned prisoner to solitary confinement in tiny cells barely big enough to stand. Many would use their last hours to write letters to their families. At dawn, the chief guard and two others would retrieve the prisoner and hand them over to the firing squad. Most were loaded onto trucks to avoid attracting public attention. Sometimes they were led to their death on foot. Most of the victims were barely adults — youth Kouzinopoulos called “flowers of their generation.” Two 17-year-old schoolgirls, Efpraxia Nikolaidou and Eva Kourouzidou, were executed while wearing their uniforms, he said. “It shook me to the core,” Kouzinopoulos said. A drone photo shows a square where mass graves have been uncovered with remains believed to be dozens of prisoners slain during or after the Greek Civil War, in Thessaloniki, Greece, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) City officials are taking steps to conduct DNA testing on the remains, and urging families of the missing to submit genetic material. That way, the bodies can be identified and returned to relatives. Agapios Sachinis, the septuagenarian whose uncle was executed, is among those eager to provide DNA. Mayor Daniilidis has ordered an expansion of the dig to other parts of the park in coming weeks. “We must send a message,” he said. “Never again.” AP journalist Derek Gatopoulos in Athens, Greece, contributed to this report. Thessaloniki is easy to fall in love with – it has beauty has suffered the hit of the economic crisis but the streets remain full of life and vibrancy Archaeological Museum Hellenistic and Roman periods are charted in this wonderful museum home to many of the region's major archaeological discoveries… Church of Agios Dimitrios This enormous 7th-century basilica honours Thessaloniki’s patron saint Dimitrios was killed around AD 306 at this former Roman bath site… Museum of Byzantine Culture This fascinating museum has plenty of treasures to please Byzantine buffs plus simple explanations to introduce this long-lived empire and its culture to… Church of Osios David once the katholikon (major church) of the Monastery of Saviour Christ of Latomos White Tower the 34m-high White Tower has a harrowing history as a prison and place of execution New Waterfront Thessaloniki's New Waterfront is evidence that architecture can improve urban life through intelligent redesign of the space in which it is lived… Monastery of Vlatadon Believed to have been founded around 1351 on the place where Paul preached in Thessaloniki this secluded monastery blends fascinating history with some… Thessaloniki Concert Hall Japanese architect Arata Isozaki created the M2 one of two waterfront buildings that house Thessaloniki's high-brow music scene View more attractionsPlan with a localExperience the real Greece Get startedArticlesLatest stories from ThessalonikiRead more articlesArchaeology Walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great as you enjoy incredible food This is why you need to visit Thessaloniki Get to the heart of Thessaloniki with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopPocket Athens $14.99 Visit in ShopGreek Islands $26.99 Go to checkout (0 items)in partnership with getyourguide No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries A cobbled street lined with bars and cafes in Ladadika Though the bright lights and big attractions in the Greek capital often overshadow it, the relaxed and welcoming vibe of Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest city – shouldn’t be overlooked by visitors searching for a good time This student metropolis on the coast has a great nightlife scene, ancient sites, fabulous food and nearby wineries that will keep you coming back for more throughout the year This is what you need to know before you go and what to do when you get there Get ready for a taste sensation – Thessaloniki was awarded the prestigious City of Gastronomy status by UNESCO in 2021 in recognition of the many cultures that have influenced its culinary scene over the years Balkan and Mediterranean traditions has produced such specialties as bougatsa a popular cream pastry first brought to the city by refugees from Asia Minor in the 1920s Be sure to sample Greek coffee and local street food such as koulouri, a sesame bread ring that is beloved throughout Greece – it supposedly originated with refugees in Thessaloniki Seek out traditional handmade foods – pumpkin-and-leek pies and traditional delicacies such as small fish mezes and you’ll understand the region’s diversity through its food Centrally located Kapani Market, the city’s oldest, is a one-stop shop for tasting a range of fish and meat, fruit and vegetables, sweets, nuts, spices and more. A gastronomy tour offered by local outfit Chef Stories is a great way to combine top flavors while learning more about the city's historical center a modern promenade offering views across the bay to Mt Olympus Have a coffee break in Aristotelous Square where the statue of the ancient philosopher stands proud Then head up to the historic neighborhood of Ano Poli (Upper Town) with its narrow cobbled alleyways protected by the remaining walls of the Byzantine and Ottoman fortress the phenomenal views down to the main lower city and sea are worth the effort take a taxi to the top and enjoy a leisurely stroll back down to sea level A few kilometers outside the city lies Ktima Gerovassiliou a family-owned winery spread over 48 hectares (118 acres) wine-making and bottling tools from around the world For a taste of single-grape spirits made from hand-harvested, organic grapes, head to the Abelon Distillery a half-hour drive from Ktima Gerovassiliou Both family-run businesses continue regional traditions in a beautiful area with views of both the sea and snow-capped Mt Olympus Descend through the tunnel under the burial mound to see the tomb door On display in the surrounding museum are silver chalices a full suit of gilded armor and countless other treasures found buried with the king Consider hiring a car to fully explore Vergina and the wineries or join a guided tour to get a better understanding of the history and culture of the area Discover Greece can help with both options treat yourself to a coffee at the Maritime Cafe and Cocktail Bar you can soak in the lively waterfront ambiance and look out to Mt Olympus in the distance You’ll be spoiled for choice with restaurants and tavernas here the old district to the west of the port filled with cobbled streets and neoclassical buildings You’ll find coffee shops and bars galore frequented by students Olympos Naoussa Restaurant at the On Residence Hotel combines deluxe gastronomy with down-to-earth The award-winning Greek chef serves up dishes such as moussaka with béchamel sauce on the side We recommend being adventurous and leaving the choice of dish to your server Wherever you stay in central Thessaloniki, you won’t be far from the promenade or main sights. Hotel choices range from five-stars such as the renovated, historic On Residence along the promenade – the Mt Olympus views are the perfect backdrop for a romantic break. More down to earth but still central, the Teight Hotel is close to shopping streets and the main sights If you’re planning a longer stay, Thess Residences occupies a former factory that once produced traditional pots and the famous briki used to brew Greek coffee; today the building houses 25 self-catering apartments in a local neighborhood This is a great choice for independent travelers looking to be in the thick of local life but only a 15-minute walk from the seafront Flights from Athens take around 35 minutes and the airport is just 13km (8 miles) from the city center with prices ranging from €24 euro (US$25.07) during the day to €32 (US$33.45/midnight to 5am) The 40-minute airport bus costs €1.80 (US$1.88) at all times; tickets can be bought on board Direct buses from Athens depart every couple of hours and take about 5½ hours (€42.90/US$44.83 one way). Driving on your own is marginally faster, though the cost of tolls and gas can run upward of €100 (US$104.49) one way. wanted for his alleged involvement in a US-based criminal network targeting minors online the man – who is of Greek descent – was arrested following an international wanted notice issued by Interpol at the request of US authorities The suspect is accused of participating in a network known as 764 which is alleged to have coerced underage victims – some as young as 8 years old – into sharing videos depicting violent acts The sextortion offenses are believed to have occurred between December 2023 and April 2024 Prosecutors allege that the criminal network specifically targeted vulnerable children including those from the Black and LGBTQI+ communities as well as minors struggling with mental health issues Court records have also revealed the influence of extremist groups and ideologies on the 764 network including the Satanist neo-Nazi group The Order of Nine Angles the suspect is facing charges related to child exploitation and is wanted to stand trial in the United States Extradition proceedings are expected to begin shortly with the man scheduled to appear before a prosecutor Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain A woman was tragically killed in Thessaloniki after an explosive device detonated in her hands in the early hours of Saturday morning (May 3) in what Greek police believe was a failed attempt to target a nearby bank The 38-year-old—known to police for past robberies—was reportedly carrying the device to plant it at an ATM when it exploded just before 5 AM The blast shook the city’s quiet northern streets “It appears that she was carrying an explosive device and planned to plant it at a bank’s ATM,” a senior officer told Reuters “Something went wrong and it exploded in her hands.” Authorities are now investigating the woman’s potential links to far-left extremist networks—a growing concern in Greece where incidents of political violence have become alarmingly frequent In the weeks leading up to the Thessaloniki blast a militant organisation calling itself Revolutionary Class Self-Defence claimed responsibility for two separate bombings in Athens including one outside the offices of the national rail operator exploded on April 11 after anonymous warning calls were made to media outlets but police say the timing and precision of the attack point to a coordinated operation The same group also admitted responsibility for a February bombing near the Labour Ministry and has linked its actions to public outrage over the deadly 2023 rail disaster in Tempi where 57 people were killed after a freight train and a passenger train collided the group said its attacks were in “armed opposition to the state,” dedicating them to “the Palestinian people and their heroic resistance.” Police are investigating potential connections between this group and long-defunct but infamous outfits like November 17 once classified as a terrorist organisation The past 12 months have seen a surge in politically motivated attacks in Greece: The rise in antisemitic and ideologically driven violence has left many Greeks deeply concerned—and rightly so Greece has long struggled with political extremism on both sides of the spectrum Far-left anarchist groups like Conspiracy of Fire Cells and Revolutionary Struggle have been active for over a decade while far-right movements such as the now-banned Golden Dawn continue to exert influence through new political proxies Greece’s location has made it a transit point for foreign fighters and a target for extremist networks From ISIS operatives entering Europe disguised as refugees to anarchist bomb-makers operating within Athens itself the pressure on security services is immense told CNN: “The country urgently needs a Department of Homeland Security to coordinate intelligence sharing across its services.” The EU has deployed counterterror officers to Greek islands to screen incoming migrants and prevent infiltration But as the most recent wave of attacks shows the threat is not only external—it is increasingly homegrown and forensic evidence from the recent blast these are not distant political issues—they are clear and present dangers From rail disasters to left-wing motivated racial violence the fabric of public trust is being tested Stay tuned for more Greek news in English Get more European news Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Website#eab2b54cb40d8c308dec2dc8{display:none} Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page By submitting the above I agree to the privacy policy and terms of use of JTA.org “The memory of this once-vibrant Greek Jewish community must never be erased,” said Stan Polovets had a unique claim to fame: it was Europe’s only major city with a Jewish majority But the golden age of Thessaloniki’s mostly Sephardic Ladino-speaking Jewish community came to a sudden end with the Nazi occupation of Greece in 1941 and turned cataclysmic with the deportation two years later to Auschwitz of nearly all the city’s Jews some 65,000 Greek Jews — 87% of the total and 96% of those from Thessaloniki — had been killed leaving barely 2,000 survivors in Thessaloniki (also known as Salonika) a veterinarian who would go on to become the chairman and CEO of Pfizer one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies In 2022, Bourla won the Genesis Prize — often described as the Jewish Nobel — for having led the development of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Stan Polovets co-founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation “Millions of people are alive and healthy because of what Dr Bourla and his team at Pfizer have accomplished.” with global antisemitism at its worst levels since World War II Bourla is about to realize another milestone: the long-awaited opening of a Holocaust Museum of Greece Bourla donated the $1 million Genesis Prize money toward construction of the museum The museum is also being funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation The management of the museum is currently trying to raise an additional $10 million “Those who know me know that in addition to being very proud of my Jewish heritage, I am equally proud of being Greek,” Bourla said in an emotional June 2022 speech in Jerusalem accepting the Genesis Prize “My mother’s courage and optimism came from her experience of narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Nazis both of my parents turned their experience surviving the Holocaust into something positive and life-affirming The 9,000-square-foot museum occupying eight floors in an octagon-shaped structure will be located at the site of Thessaloniki’s Old Railway Station where the first Nazi train carrying Jews to Auschwitz departed on March 15 won’t be just about the tragedy of the Holocaust Exhibits and artifacts will tell the story of more than 2,300 years of Greek Jewish history in Thessaloniki and 38 other communities beginning with the ancient Romaniote Jews who settled in Greece during the reign of Alexander the Great 29 groundbreaking ceremony in Thessaloniki Polovets was joined by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and local dignitaries and Holocaust survivors “I was honored to participate and was moved by the ceremony during which President Steinmeier said he ‘felt shame’ and that the memory of what was done to the Jewish people on this site ‘cannot be erased.’ That is why this museum is so important,” Polovets said “The memory of this once-vibrant Greek Jewish community and its near destruction by the Nazis —  especially during the current wave of rising global antisemitism — must never be erased.” Only about 5,000 Jews remain in Greece: About 4,000 live in Athens Greece has not been immune to the wave of antisemitism sweeping Europe Vandalism of Jewish cemeteries and Holocaust memorials is fairly commonplace A 2014 global survey of antisemitism by the Anti-Defamation League found that 69% of Greeks harbor antisemitic views — the highest percentage of any country in the world outside the Middle East. While those findings are sometimes disputed, Greece continues to struggle with antisemitism physical violence against Greek Jews is extremely rare are considered among the most pro-Israel in Europe Greece observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day and in 2014 the parliament outlawed Holocaust denial A big push for the Holocaust museum came from Thessaloniki’s former mayor less than a week after the Holocaust museum’s groundbreaking ceremony Boutaris announced that his city would build the museum at a 2017 event attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other dignitaries “It will symbolize our shame,” Boutaris said at the time and mostly for what we could not or did not wish to do… during and after the war.” other famous Jews with roots in Thessaloniki include actor Hank Azaria Israeli businessman and philanthropist Leon Recanati his sister the philanthropist Jude Recanati former Nevada congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Belgian-born American fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg Polovets said Bourla’s donation aligns with the Genesis Prize Foundation’s values and mission of inspiring Jewish pride education will be at the center of the museum’s activities hosting permanent and temporary exhibitions and archives that will highlight the value of preserving the remembrance of the Holocaust Polovets said he hopes the museum will inspire visitors to fight hatred from spreading today “Democracy and respect for others are values that can never be taken for granted and each of us has a responsibility to stand up to all forms of hatred.” JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with The Genesis Prize Foundation inspire Jewish pride and strengthen the bond between Israel and the Diaspora This article was produced by JTA’s native content team I accept the Privacy Policy Research Development and Administration Team Greece and beyond – A case study of a city’s past and current challenges” This Dialogue offers insights into a complex and unique history of genocide and continuing ethnic diversity as experienced from the perspective of one city – Thessaloniki Our journey begins with the exploration of the systematic persecution of Armenians and Greek communities during the Armenian Genocide and the expulsion of Greek refugees from Turkey to Thessaloniki and beyond; it continues with the Jewish Holocaust and a brutal Nazi occupation in a city that was home to the largest Jewish community in all of Greece; and ends with the city’s often strenuous and continuous regional challenges that include Greek-Turkish relations and deep climate-related economic impacts – the largest losses of any EU country This program gives students the opportunity to learn about this difficult past in conversation with local experts and public servants Students will trace how the city’s past is echoed in current political and societal challenges such as reflected in policies regarding migration In close cooperation with the city’s Universities and with time to immerse in the local culture and traditions this program confronts the complex histories of violence but also celebrates the resilience of the communities in and around Thessaloniki To see photos from earlier iterations of the program, please visit this link: https://story.piktochart.com/share/Cvr1YBnpOg7563dOf2qh See the Global Experience Office website for details The College of Social Sciences and Humanities combines Northeastern University’s signature focus on experiential learning with the rigorous study of society CSSH is redefining liberal arts education for the next generation of global thinkers Your support and partnership can help CSSH and our students continue to lead CSSHDean@northeastern.edu The 27th edition of the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival closed on March 16 an industry platform for developing projects and fostering collaborations Agora featured a rich program of panel discussions with 33 new projects showcased across the Agora XR Lab Agora has gained prominence among documentary professionals and become one of the key events in the winter calendar. Documentary Magazine spoke to Vergou and several professionals in attendance to take stock of this year’s market examining content trends and the current climate for business Vergou shared some key figures from this year’s edition 507 registered professionals took part in Agora The recorded number of project meetings was 469 with the Pitching Forum hosting 293 meetings The Agora Boost and Doc Counseling sessions also contributed with 184 meetings These figures suggest moderate growth year-on-year and can be considered an encouraging sign of enthusiasm and commitment The professionals left Thessaloniki pleased with the quality of their meetings and the overall experience—from the presentation of projects to the attendance and content of the panel discussions as well as the new connections they made and new talents discovered,” says Vergou Vergou also emphasizes that Agora creates a “safe and welcoming space” for professionals particularly for emerging talents and producers facilitating access to international markets you can feel a collective effort to exchange best practices and provide the best possible feedback,” she notes The perception of Thessaloniki as a hub for non-fiction professionals interested in working in—and collaborating with—the wider Euro-Mediterranean region (a vast area including Europe at large and the Middle East) is unanimously shared by both local and international attendees defines Agora as “a catalyst for documentary projects from the region and beyond,” but also “a really friendly setting to meet creative and financial partners from all over the world.” Manuela Buono praises the accessibility of its venues and the excellent organization “which makes it easier for guests to move around between events.” Despite the commendable efforts made by the Agora team speaking to some attendees revealed the industry’s current concerns not so much bound to a market that strives for quality but to the broader looming geopolitical context This was palpable in the corridors of Berlin’s European Film Market last month but has emerged as an even more present concern among Thessaloniki’s guests perceptions of the current climate for business varied Despite scooping a special mention and the Creative Greece Award for two of her new projects Apostolides admits things are simply difficult “There is a sense that broadcasters are retreating from committing to the development or production phase it’s difficult to partly or fully fund a film before post-production.” Reflecting on how the landscape has changed over the years there were mainly broadcasters at the pitch This doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.” For executive producer Nejra Kozarić and programmer and festival board member Djani Hasečić of Al Jazeera Balkans the non-fiction market is becoming increasingly competitive and saturated making it difficult for independent filmmakers to secure distribution and acquisition deals “This is why it is important to organize festivals and forums and bring those filmmakers closer to the industry Thessaloniki remains a strategic hub for Al Jazeera Balkans as it allows us to discover projects close to our region that resonate with our audience,” they underscore Sales agents also expressed similar concerns but seemed moderately reassured by the high quality of the projects on offer representing the sales firm Limonero Films from Spain found “deep humanity” rooted in all the projects she came across She notes that this human connection was present in a wide range of topics from political and current issues to more personal human interest stories “The uniqueness and power of each real story out there still prevails across the board,” she affirms stressing the importance of showcasing “powerful tales deeply human in all its forms; and with surprising and impactful angles.” defines the current climate for documentary sales and acquisitions as “ever-evolving,” but also commends the quality of the line-up “This year’s Agora showcased a super solid selection of projects at different stages of production each passionately amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups that are facing heightened risks due to the ascendance of right-wing ideologies and the absurdly erratic actions of influential political leaders,” she says Buono agrees with Djukic and Apostolides but also noted another key issue hitting documentary production: “There are more diverse outlets and transnational platforms which makes it challenging to complete the puzzle of financing the film and distribution is more fragmented—and this last one is not necessarily a negative point.” “What I found very exciting is that while we are experiencing a period where censorship is often a barrier for public speech artists and filmmakers don’t shy away from denouncing and bringing attention to political and social changes in an international perspective experimental films that find a difficult path for distribution there is still a genuine interest in creating these works which often pioneer stylistic forms that later on we’ll meet in mainstream or more commercial productions,” she continues particularly in themes related to identity or trauma-related topics—either personal or societal—were strong and still prevail today,” she says pointing out that these topics continue to resonate with both filmmakers and audiences MD and Head of Sales at Dutch sales outfit Latin Quarter often incorporating hybrid or visually experimental approaches Many of the projects he encountered embraced themes of resilience with a particular focus on underrepresented voices “I also noticed a compelling presence of ecological and gender-focused narratives reinforcing the idea that documentary cinema remains a powerful tool for both artistic expression and social dialogue,” he adds He mentioned films like Under the Flags of the Sun, Cum As You Are, A Flower of Mine and Girls for Tomorrow as examples of high-quality work showcased in the festival lineup he singled out Bugboy for its originality and potential impact Kozarić and Hasečić notice a growing interest in immersive media billing the XR lab as “an exciting innovation in storytelling offering immersive and interactive possibilities that are shaping the future of the genre.” However they also pointed out that while immersive media is not yet fully embraced by broadcasters we’d love to see filmmakers adapt their work more effectively for different formats,” they add suggesting creating TV cuts or short films tailored for mobile consumption to reach new audiences and I’m pleased to see their work showcased here.” Vergou focuses on the growing conversation about supporting filmmakers who lack access to national funding due to political reasons or who have been forced to flee their home countries due to persecution in collaboration with DOK Leipzig’s DOK Industry launched the Doc Together initiative to provide practical support “Their projects engaged with deeply personal and political journeys She also acknowledges the challenge of making documentaries more commercially viable and capturing broader audience attention while still maintaining the integrity of the stories being told Vergou identified areas for improvement in Agora’s growth She mentioned the importance of curating a more focused guest list to ensure honest feedback and support for selected projects she emphasized the need to continue improving the two key workshops to further enhance the creative work of participants we would love to welcome delegations from other countries seeking fruitful connections aiming to continue our collaborative efforts with other festivals and markets for the promotion of the documentary medium and to connect the south to the north as Thessaloniki is at the crossroads of all these regions and historically has been a melting pot of cultures,” she sums up Agora and TIDF continue to stand as vital platforms for non-fiction professionals fostering international collaborations and offering a rich environment for emerging talent Despite the challenges posed by the shifting geopolitical landscape and a competitive market the event remains a guiding light for the industry and diverse selection of projects underscore the Greek gathering’s on-going relevance and influence within the documentary community As the industry navigates uncertainties and public funders’ resources shrink under the pressure of illiberal leadership and financial constraints Agora’s ability to adapt and provide valuable networking opportunities positions it as a crucial space for creativity and politically committed filmmaking we hope that Agora’s role and impact continue to grow in the coming years Davide Abbatescianni is a film critic and journalist based in Rome He works as an International Reporter for Cineuropa and regularly contributes to publications such as Variety New Scientist, The New Arab, Business Doc Europe and the Nordisk Film & TV Fond website He also serves as a programmer for the Torino Film Festival one of Italy’s largest cinematic gatherings © 2024 International Documentary Association Privacy Policy