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3-Day Thessaloniki Jewish History & Heritage Tour

Suitable for Family, Group, Senior

OVERVIEW

Thessaloniki, a vibrant city with a rich history, was once a thriving center of Jewish life. For centuries, the city’s Jewish community flourished, contributing significantly to its cultural, economic, and intellectual life. The city’s Jewish Quarter, with its bustling markets, elegant synagogues, and thriving cultural scene, was a testament to the community’s vitality. However, the Holocaust tragically decimated this vibrant community. Despite this dark chapter in its history, Thessaloniki continues to honor the Jewish Heritage of Thessaloniki.

This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s Jewish past, from its golden age to its tragic decline and subsequent revival. Visit the Monastirioton Synagogue, one of the few surviving synagogues in Thessaloniki, and immerse yourself in its stunning architecture and rich history. Explore the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki to learn about the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in the city. Discover the remnants of the Old Jewish Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the city’s tragic past. Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial, a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. And finally, wander through the Ladadika District, a historic neighborhood with a rich Jewish heritage, and experience the city’s vibrant culture.

A journey through the Jewish Heritage of Thessaloniki is a journey through time, a journey that is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It is a journey that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the city’s history and the resilience of the human spirit.

Highlights*

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki: Explore the rich history of Thessaloniki’s Jewish community.
Monastirioton Synagogue: Visit the only pre-Holocaust synagogue still standing in its original form.
Modiano Market: Sample local delicacies in this charming market.
Freedom Square Holocaust Memorial: Commemorate the tragic events of the Holocaust.
Ancient Jewish Cemetery Site: Visit the site of the once-thriving Jewish cemetery.
Holocaust Room at the Jewish Museum: Gain deeper insight into the Holocaust’s impact on Thessaloniki.

*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size

Day by Day Suggested Program

Day 1: Arrival in Thessaloniki – Exploring Jewish Heritage

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Arrive in Thessaloniki, a city once known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”. Begin your journey with a visit to the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, housed in a former Jewish bank, to explore exhibits showcasing the city’s rich Jewish history, including artifacts from the destroyed Jewish cemetery and poignant Holocaust memorabilia.
Continue to Monastirioton Synagogue, the city’s only pre-Holocaust synagogue still standing in its original form. Learn about its role as a religious hub for Jewish refugees and later as a ghetto center during the Nazi occupation. End your day with a leisurely walk through Modiano Market, designed by Jewish architect Eli Modiano,
where you can sample local delicacies at its charming eateries.

Day 2: Holocaust Remembrance and Jewish Tragedy

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Begin with a solemn visit to Freedom Square, site of the Jewish Holocaust Memorial, commemorating the 50,000 Greek Jews deported to concentration camps. Learn about the harrowing events of July 11, 1942, when Jewish men were rounded up and tortured in this very spot. Continue to the Old Railway Station, where Jews were deported to Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen in 1943. Spend the afternoon exploring Thessaloniki’s historic Jewish neighborhoods. Visit Aristotelous Square, the city’s main square, and admire the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings. Next, head to the Ladadika District, a historic neighborhood with a rich Jewish heritage. This vibrant district is home to many charming taverns, shops, and art galleries. For sunset, visit the iconic White Tower offering panoramic
views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

Day 3: Traces of a Lost Cemetery and Cultural Heritage

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Explore the site of the ancient Jewish Cemetery, now part of Aristotle University, once home to over 300,000 tombs. Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery Memorial, which commemorates the desecrated necropolis with a menorah sculpture and marble plaques from the destroyed tombstones. In the afternoon, visit the Holocaust Room at the Jewish Museum to gain further insight into the atrocities faced by Thessaloniki’s Jewish community. Spend your evening enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a local tavern in town.

Accommodation

Grand Hotel Palace Thessaloniki.

Grand Hotel Palace is a five star hotel in Thessaloniki. Grand Hotel Palace is located at a central point at the entrance of the city and has a total capacity of 243 rooms including 24 suites in modern or classic style distributed on the six floors of the neoclassical building of unique architecture.

*Star rating standards vary from country to country.

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3-Day Thessaloniki Jewish History & Heritage Tour

Day by Day Suggested Program

Grand Hotel Palace Thessaloniki.

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