CENTRES OF CULTURE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

These are inspiring projects for the long-term cultural development of the city. Projects that will host the initiatives of Cultural Capital of Europe ensuring the city’s leading cultural presence at the dawn of the new century. Works worthy of the city’s illustrious history which will endow it with a privileged role among the cities in this particularly sensitive and fragile part of world.

PRESERVING THE UPPER CITY (ANO POLI)

The appearance of the monuments is being improved, the Byzantine walls are freed of obstructions, the most important listed building are undergoing restoration, the architectural style is being protected all in an effort to secure the quality of life in this area.

UTILISING MODERN PERIOD ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

The Villa Bianca, the «Melissa» orphanage building, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry building, the Modiano market-place, the Ladadika area, the Water Works Museum, are being restored and preserved so that their architecture may enrich the city’s character.

"FREEING" THE CITY'S MONUMENTS

The historical profile of the city becomes evident in every turn as the MAcedonian tombs, the Roman Agora, the Byzantine churches, the Heptapyrgio, the Flower-Market, Alaja Imaret, Yeni Jami, are being restored, freed from temporary scaffolding (an eyesore during the last 20 years) and are put into functional use.

CREATING PROJECTS IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITIES

The municipalities in the greater area of Thessaloniki are included in the Cultural Capital of Europe «Thessaloniki 97» programme.
Theatres, conservatoires, museums, youth centres and other cultural venues are being constructed, urban plans remodelled, while public areas are being upgraded, thus, offering the opportunity for cultural activities in every neighbourhood.