Aristotelous Square
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About
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Why go
- Its architecture combines Byzantine and Western elements, emphasizing Thessaloniki’s Byzantine heritage.
- Six-storey hotels and shops frame the square with arcades, arches and balconies.
Don't miss
- Olympion Theatre cinemaOlympion Theatre hosts the annual Thessaloniki International Film Festival and has a bar of the same name.In one of the square’s quarter-circle buildings
- Northbound streetThe street continuing north from the square follows the same architectural style; most of it is pedestrianized, with a central green strip, shops and cafés.Begins at the square and continues north
- Electra Palace HotelThe hotel is an exterior landmark in one of the square’s quarter-circle buildings.In one of the square’s quarter-circle buildings
Interesting facts3
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1950
The square’s twelve buildings have been legally protected since 1950.
Aristotelous Square - Wikipedia -
A few façades retain elements of Ernest Hébrard’s original design.
Aristotelous Square - Wikipedia -
Hébrard planned an uphill view from the square toward the Byzantine walls and Upper Town.
Aristotelous Square - Wikipedia
History
Hébrard’s proposed Civic Square, with a city hall, courts and triumphal arch, was never built because funds were lacking. Excavations at its intended site uncovered the ancient Roman agora. Andreas Papandreou, Costas Karamanlis and George Papandreou delivered major political addresses in the square.
- 1917The Great Fire destroyed two thirds of Thessaloniki, prompting plans for the square.
- 1918French architect Ernest Hébrard designed the square as part of an axis from the seafront to Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum.
- 1950sMost of the square was built.
- 1957Tram service ended; buses have served the square since.
- 1960sThe square’s final layout was completed.
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- 1992A large demonstration over the Macedonia naming dispute took place in February.
- 1997A waterfront redevelopment was considered, but no official scheme was adopted.
- 2000sThe northern sections were extensively restored, and many surrounding buildings were renovated.
Tips for your visit
- Cafés and restaurants line the square, offering places to stop for refreshments.
- The square hosts festivals and carnival celebrations, as well as occasional political rallies.
How to get there
- BusMany OASTH bus lines pass through or near the square, including via Venizelou Square.
- TrainVenizelou Metro station is on Egnatia Avenue, within walking distance of the square.
- ParkingTaxi stands are on Mitropoleos Street in front of Olympion Theatre.
Sources: Aristotelous Square - Wikipedia · Thessaloniki - Wikivoyage (listing) · Platia Aristotelous - Wikipedia · Πλατεία Αριστοτέλους - Wikipedia · Place Aristote - Wikipedia · checked 24 Sep 2026
Questions and answers
Was another name planned for Aristotelous Square?
Hébrard proposed naming the square after Alexander the Great and placing a statue of him at its centre.
Was waterfront redevelopment planned for Aristotelous Square?
A waterfront redevelopment plan was considered in 1997, but no official scheme has been adopted.
Was a courthouse included in Hébrard’s plan for Aristotelous Square?
The plan proposed a grand courthouse at its northern end.
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