Ano poli - Thessaloniki Forum (original) (raw)

I walk from Ionous Dragoumi which is just above Egnatia Street, the main thoroughfare, every year and still manage to find another alleyway that I haven’t found before. I also lose my way.

At the junction of Ionous Dragoumi and Ag Dimitriou with the Park Hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/LkKPvXKVvXGDGrXz8?g_st=ic

on your left , turn right and walk along this busy thoroughfare and after a couple of blocks and on your left is the large church of Ag Dimitriou which is worth a visit (use google maps for all this).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/17kEMxChYHFjyBJQ9?g_st=ic

After leaving the church you’ll pass a couple of coffee shops where you can stop for a drink even though you’ve only just started. On the opposite side of this road there are a couple of bakeries too.

About 4 or 5 blocks after the church and again on your left is the Atatürk Museum (if you fancy a visit). https://maps.app.goo.gl/qkFavTvhpzRjoaAw7?g_st=ic

After this, turn left and walk up Apostolos Pavlou. Then left again at Olympiados a little and then right again up Irodotou and head for the church of St Nicolas Orphanos which may or may not be open. https://maps.app.goo.gl/UjHNotmsLEk5uAab8?g_st=ic

After this I always get lost but I tend to head leftish and up in the direction of the church of St David (Osios David) which has some beautiful frescoes. https://maps.app.goo.gl/aAfazbLoRKaZc96eA?g_st=ic

Again there are lots of narrow streets/walkways and steps going up. Don’t forget to look back at the view and also look at the Ottoman design houses with overhanging upper storeys.

https://youtu.be/xIM3jrb4Vl4?si=aaFtzqDhxtoeWDHm

There are lots of different videos with less irritating music but this has some good views.

Of course, there are much quicker ways to get up to the old town but it’s a pity to choose one route and not deviate as you’d miss such a lot.

Again using google maps I head for Eptapyrgio (Street) which is just below the castle walls.

Once you’ve reached Eptapyrgio you can go through the castle gate and into the town behind the walls. However it’s always good to stop for a refreshing ouzo and I recommend, for its fabulous view from the roof terrace, Bar Byzantio on Eptapyrgio - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7pcEfiS26u1QrS8Y7?g_st=ic

There are lots of other ways to get up to Ano Poli. The bus is very quick but it lacks the charm of getting lost in the maze of little streets. Don’t be put off by graffiti, which can be plentiful and is usually political and/or humorous.

This is not by any means a direct route, or any logical route. I just like it.

There’s also a HOHO bus from the White Tower when it’s the main tourist season but I prefer the walk.

Hope you find some of this helpful. I have woffled rather a lot.