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People take photos under the “Umbrellas” sculpture by Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos on the new waterfront in Thessaloniki on August 26, 2018. The sea has always been an integral part of Thessaloniki�s attraction, both as a commercial waterway that has sustained its economy and as a privilege that few seafront cities have showcased to such advantage. The city�s orientation toward the sea is due to a great extent to the vision of Ernest Hebrard, the French urban planner and architect tasked with redesigning the center after the devastating fire of 1917.This rationale is instantly apparent along the waterfront, the 5k stretch from the port to the concert hall. Along this route, you can become immersed in the city's vibe in under an hour, with views of the sea and Mount OlympusThe old waterfront running along Nikis Avenue from the port to the White Tower. Walking along the Old Waterfront with the sea to your right, you will see a stretch of apartment blocks on your left. Most of these were built in the 1970s, though a handful of eclectic-style edifices from the early 20th century are also squashed among them. It has served as a parade ground for kings and a place of protest for indignant citizens past and present. The New Waterfront of Thessaloniki, an ambitious renovation designed on 2013, is a linear place with limited depth and great length, with the characteristics of a “front”, a thin layer inserted in the limit between land and sea. The project consists of a long walk along the waterfront and 13 green spaces. (Photo by Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP Photo)
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