Statues, Thessaloniki

3 more images

Alexandros Megalos or Alexander the Great is one of the greatest heroes of Ancient Greece and a hugely controversial figure in the modern Balkans. King of Macedonia, he led ancient armies to conquer not just the entirety of Greece (which, in Antiquity, was a series of city-states) but also the whole of Asia Minor and Central Asia up to Afghanistan and northern India. Greek culture not only flourished but influenced the whole of the Ancient World thanks to his feats. Unfortunately, ambiguity over the ethnic and linguistic affiliations of the Macedonians has left quite a sticky situation in the Balkans, particularly with regards to whether the current Slavic Macedonians are the descendants of Alexander or the people of Greek Macedonia are his hellenized heirs. A running battle is on to claim his legacy, and as part of this you will find, east along the Thessaloniki boardwalk, a massive statue dedicated to Alexander the Great, mounted and ready to charge into battle. It is an impressive statue that dominates this part of the seafront (as the White Tower is no longer visible). It was undoubtedly erected after the inclusion of these lands into Greece after the Balkan Wars of 1912, and as such as is much a monument of political and historical curiosity as it is one of artistic value.

be sure to pay a visit to alex, to his big statue close to the white tower. the spears in the ground next to him are the real ones that they used, but they are so huge that you just can't believe that somebody acutally carried them and fought with them!! check it out..

Just to the east of the White Tower along the waterfront there is a monument to Alexander the Great. It's a nice landmark.

It's a good spot to spot the contrast of old vs. new. It's the hot spot for the Greek skaters to do ollies and kick-flips on the skateboards. Just a general hangout spot for the local youths. Yet, above them sits the one of the greatest figures in their history, and I wonder if they recognize the irony.

Southwest of the Salonica Archeological Museum on the seafront promenade, reached by walking through the gardens, can be seen a modern equestrian statue of Alexander the Great.

The statue of Alexander the Great at the seaside park. In the background of the photo you can see Lefkos Pyrgos.

See archeological sites and museums.

Walk on center of city and make shopping.
see monuments to macedonian king Philip and Great Alexander