Posted on December 05, 2012 by sguese

 

Thessaloniki’s markets make Athens look like it is the true second city in Greece.  However, Thessaloniki takes that title politically and population wise.

Long harboring the strategic location on the main land route from Europe into Asia, Thessaloniki served as a powerful city during the Roman Empire. Many of its monuments hark back to the 4^th century A.D. days. Much of the city would face destruction when a fire raged through in August of 1917, destroying 80% of the city. At the same time, there are still those peeks into what life used to be like down tree-lined streets and in the presence of Byzantine churches.

And while Athens may be the first city in Greece, Thessaloniki’s markets are certainly not second rate. Pick up your Argus car hire in Thessaloniki and experience the city’s best shopping scenes.

The Bezesteni

The Bezesteni is a Thessaloniki showpiece of a market. Adorned with six domes and four entrances, the covered market was constructed in the late 15^th century by Sultan Bayezid II. It remains one of the best-preserved Turkish monuments in the city. Visitors will find a wealth of textiles and jewelry at the market. It lends the feeling of being transported back into an Asian bazaar. While you are the Bezesteni market, be sure to stop at the Hazma Mosque. The mosque hails from the 15^th century and remains the city’s oldest mosque.

Thessaloniki Flea Market

Thessaloniki satisfies all tastes in the market department. The city even boasts a Flea Market along Tositas. You will find all of your genuine junk and antiques all in one places. There are many Eastern European sellers here, offering up leather jackets and designer watches.

Kapani (Vlali) Market

If you are looking for everything under the sun, the Kapani Market won’t disappoint. You can find food, dry goods, fabrics and virtually everything you could ever want at this market. The hodgepodge of shops stack one on top of each other to create a jam-packed scene. A market has stood at Kapani since at least Turkish times.

 Modiano Market

Street musicians roam through the Modiano Market. The glass-roofed market takes up an entire square block in Thessaloniki. Stalls fill under the dome with fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, flowers and spices. The wealthy Jewish merchant Eli Modiano built the roofed market in 1922. The market building features a pedimented façade and that unique glass ceiling.