Visit the Historic Jewish Communities - Photo from Grekaddict

Jewish Monuments of Thessaloniki Walking Tour, Thessaloniki

Explore the Jewish monuments of Thessaloniki and learn about the once substantial community that called the city home.

Overview

Explore the Jewish monuments of Thessaloniki and learn about the once substantial community that called the city home. The Jewish history in Thessaloniki dates back two thousand years, where a large population lived until WWII. Because of its thriving Jewish identity, the city was known as the "Mother of Israel."

As you stroll through the streets, your guide will share the city's history, culture, and Jewish heritage. Walk along the famous seafront promenade, pass by traditional tavernas, and observe patrons of Thessaloniki's always-lively cafes and bars. You'll make stops at two Jewish synagogues, both still functioning, plus the Holocaust Monument commemorating Jews who lost their lives in concentration camps.

The neighborhood of Valaoritou is significant to the Jewish community in Thessaloniki. Your guide will discuss various aspects of the city's Jewish history as you walk the streets and admire the architecture. At the end of the walking tour, you can opt for an independent visit to the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki. Although optional, the museum is set in a beautiful historical building and comes highly recommended.
Read more about unique and interesting historical experiences in Greece.

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private group

What's included

Guided tour

Traveler reviews

3 total ratings, 3 with reviews
4.0 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.0
Transport
4.5
Eric
Eric L.
Cortlandt Manor, NY | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023
Our guide was knowledgeable and informative.
A little too much about Jewish wealth. (That stereotype breeds resentment and ultimately causes anti Semitic violence.)
And so sad that the synagogue is a monument to people who are gone rather than a functioning congregation.
The museum is excellent.
Read more

Our guide was knowledgeable and informative.
A little too much about Jewish wealth. (That stereotype breeds resentment and ultimately causes anti Semitic violence.)
And so sad that the synagogue is a monument to people who are gone rather than a functioning congregation.
The museum is excellent.

Tips for future travelers

I'm not sure I'd do this again. Perhaps the Jewish museum in Athens could provide similar insight more time-efficiently

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lisa
Lisa B.
Ivins, UT | Reviewed on May 30, 2023
Well, we realized 1/2 way into the tour that it was NOT a Jewish tour but a Classic Tour. They did their best to make up for it and added extra time. We let the Travel 12 know….handled very well. Next day on the way to Pella, the driver took us to an amazing old Synagogue to make up for the goof. Read more

Well, we realized 1/2 way into the tour that it was NOT a Jewish tour but a Classic Tour. They did their best to make up for it and added extra time. We let the Travel 12 know….handled very well. Next day on the way to Pella, the driver took us to an amazing old Synagogue to make up for the goof.

Quality of Experience
Make sure and confirm the tour you’re on before starting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Make sure you’re on the right tour and going to the right place.
Transport
Comfortable Mercedes car, friendly and accommodating driver and guides, even with the initial tour issue.
Ronit
Ronit R.
Country Club, FL | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2022
We walked with Ilona Stefani, our private local tour guide where the Jews lived in the Jewish Quarter and unbelievably she was so informative about its history. Read more

We walked with Ilona Stefani, our private local tour guide where the Jews lived in the Jewish Quarter and unbelievably she was so informative about its history.

Tips for future travelers

We were glad to find many monuments, cemetery, synagogues, museum, and Jewish Quarter.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ilona Stefani is amazing! We were fortunate to her guide.

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