Thessaloniki Aristotle Square

General information

Aristotle (or Aristotelous) Square was designed by famous French architect Ernest Hébrard, in an attempt to address the distinct lack of European architecture in Thessaloniki. Originally, it was going to be named Alexander the Great Square, with a statue of the former king of Macedonia in its center, but those plans never came to pass. While the design of the square was completed by 1918, most of it was built in the 1950s, with many surrounding buildings having been renovated as recently as the 2000s.

Today, the famous square is one of the main attractions of the city, characterized by its lovely blend of Byzantine and Western architecture. It presents a large open space with lovely stone paving and surrounding patches of grass with lush trees. The square is surrounded by wonderful neoclassical buildings, some of which are of major importance to the city. The Olympion Theater is one of the most significant cultural centers in the area and serves as the home of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. There is also the Electra Palace Hotel, a 5-star accommodation that impresses with its beautiful architecture and modern luxuries.

Various cafes, restaurants, and bars can be found around the square as well, offering plenty of opportunities for a lovely meal and a refreshing drink. The Thessaloniki Waterfront lies opposite the square and is one of the busiest spots in the area, perfect for a stroll by the sea. The imposing White Tower, the city’s trademark, is also situated within a short walking distance.