From the second half of the 19th century onwards, Thessaloniki experienced radical changes. Following the demolition of the eastern and seafront parts of its Walls in 1889, comes the city’s expansion to the east, in a district better known as the district of “Towers” or “Countrysides”, where initially the construction activity was limited – mainly country houses – while the agricultural use of the land prevailed. After the inauguration of the tram rail infrastructure in 1893, the erection of coastal holiday villas increased and the first conversion from seasonal to permanent residences was sighted for several wealthy Thessalonians. To this day, only a few of these unique buildings are preserved in the old district, the majority of which can be found on its main axis, i.e. located along the Vasilissis Olgas Avenue. However, apart from these, there are many more spatially scattered villas, who are less famous, luxurious, or well preserved, but nevertheless of equal significance that defined the constitution of the district’s urban landscape.

Through a course among the alleys and following the traces of the preserved villas, we will have the opportunity to get acquainted with an unidentified side of the Countrysides District, even before reaching the main axis to meet the famous manors of Vasilissis Olgas Avenue.

The purpose of the route is for the guests to visit the cosmopolitan Countrysides District, whilst also discovering its less famous buildings, in order to fully appreciate the landscape physiognomy, nature and history of the area.

DATES
23 & 24 October 2021

OPEN HOURS
11:00-16:00, new tour every 15′

STARTING POINT
Pedion Areos, Stratou Av.

ENDING POINT
Villa Modiano (Folklife Museum), 68 Vas. Olgas Av.

DISTANCE
2,6 km

DURATION
approximately 2 hours

photo: Kim Powell