1. Investment proposal
in an Art Hotel
in Thessaloniki

2. Thessaloniki is the second largest city of
Greece, built at the sea, along the shore of
Thermaïkos Gulf and a major economic,
industrial, commercial, cultural, touristic and
political center. It is located 520 km north of
Athens.
Thessaloniki is a great base, as it provides
easy connections by air, land and sea with
numerous national and international
destinations. Its port is the largest transit-
trade port in the country and one of the most
important in Southeast Europe.
Thessaloniki is a modern metropolis, bearing
the marks of its stormy history and
its cosmopolitan character, that grants it
a special beauty and charm.
Thessaloniki: a destination that can’t be missed!

3. The city was founded in 315 BC by the Macedonian Cassander and counts a history of around 2.300 years.
In 168 BC it became part of the Roman republic and was further developed into an important trade center, actually connecting
Europe with Asia through the Roman Via Egnatia. Many of the most imposing and well decorated structures were built during
the Roman Era of its history, as Thessaloniki was one of the capitals during the Tetrarchy period.
During the first century AD and afterwards, the city became one of the first early Christian centers, after Paul the Apostle
preached here and laid the foundations for a new religion.
During the Byzantine era the city was further developed and became even bigger, being the second most important city of the
empire after Constantinople itself. Wonderful churches and other buildings were built in several areas, while extended
defensive constructions took place. In 1204 AD during the fourth crusade, the city fell into the hands of the Crusaders and thus
the “Kingdom Of Thessalonica” was created. In 1246 though, the Byzantines managed to recover the entire area.
After 1430 the ottomans conquered Thessaloniki, under the commands of Mourad II. During the Ottoman occupation period
the city once again became the most important commercial and trade center of the area and was considered of great strategic
importance due to the trade routes established. It became the new home for many ethnic communities that significantly
promoted art, culture and architecture.
In October 27, 1912 during the first Balkan War the Greek army liberated the city, while in 1917 the city faced what was perhaps
its greatest disaster ever, as a huge fire destroyed almost three quarters of the center, something that had various side effects
in the following years. Serious efforts and proposals were made by famous architects like Ernest Hebrard, in order for the city
center to be rebuilt like a modern European capital. During the 50's and the 60's the city experienced an unprecedented
construction growth that transformed the city center into its present form.
B r i e f H i s t o r i c a l R e v i e w

4. Unesco monuments

5. The walled city with its monuments can reasonably be called an open Museum. Byzantine, Post-Byzantine and Ottoman
monuments have been declared as historical landmark monuments. In 1988, fifteen monuments were included in the UNESCO
World Heritage List:
1. Byzantine Walls – These walls surrounded Thessaloniki during the Middle Ages and until the late 19th century. They were
constructed by the emperor Theodosius for the protection of the city and enclosed the uppermost northern side of the city,
the Acropolis and ended up to the White Tower. The total perimeter of the city walls was 8km.
2. Rotunda - Originally built as a centrally planned building on the axis of the monumental street connecting the triumphal arch
of Galerius with the palace complex. There are varying opinions on its use, such as being a temple of Zeus, a building of
secular-administrative character that served the needs of the palace complex, or a monument dedicated to the glory of
Constantine the Great.
3. Church of Hosios David (Latomou Monastery) - The church is primarily known for its mosaic of the vision of Prophet Ezekiel
in its alcove, one of the most important mosaics of the paleo-Christian era.
4. Basilica of Panagia Acheiropoiítou - The interior of the Basilica stands out for its architectural sculptures on the colonnades,
separating the three aisles and its excellent mosaics.
5. Basilica of Aghios Dimitrios & the Crypt - The church, dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki, Saint Dimitrios, is a
pilgrim church and is primarily renowned for its mosaics that survived the great fire of 1917. Beneath the transept of the
Church is the Crypt, an underground area which was discovered due to the destructive fire of 1917.
6. Church of Aghia Sophia - This church is a typical example of a domed transitional cruciform church with ambulatory, in
imitation of the Aghia Sophia in Istanbul.
7. Church of Panagia Chalkeon - The Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in 1028 as a sepulchral chapel.

7. 5. Byzantine bath - The only public Byzantine bath, currently preserved in Thessaloniki, is located on the outskirts of Ano Poli
(upper town). It is a small building of rectangular design, possibly dating back to the 13th century, and retains all the areas
necessary for a bath: an antechamber, a tepid area, a warm area and a reservoir.
6. Church of Aghios Panteleimon - The Church, served as the catholicon of the Theotokou Perivleptou Monastery, also known
as Mr Isaac's Monastery.
7. Church of Aghioi Apostoli – it is located close to the western walls of the Old Town. Of great interest is the structure of the
external facades of the monument, with the ceramoplastic elements, on its eastern side, standing out. Its interior contains
excellent mosaic decoration.
11. Church of Aghios Nikolaos Orphanos – In Ano Poli, close to the eastern walls and within an enclosed yard lies the Church of
Aghios Nikolaos Orphanos. Its exquisite mural decoration is one of most complete painting complexes preserved in
Thessaloniki and is a representative of Palaeologan art.
12.Church of Aghia Ekaterini - on the outskirts of Ano Poli lies the Church of Aghia Ekaterini, which once served as the
catholicon of a Byzantine monastery. Its elegant proportions and the structure of its facades, make this monument an
excellent example of Palaeologan architecture.
13.Church of Metamorphosis tou Sotiros - It was built in 1340, and was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The mural
decoration in its interior dates back to 1350-1370 and is part of the Palaeologan tradition.
14.Vlatadon Monastery - Right outside the walls of the Acropolis, is found the Vlatadon monastery, the only Byzantine
monastery still holding services in the city. The mural decoration in its interior dates between 1360 and 1380.
15.Church of Profitis Elias - On Olympiados Street, lies the imposing Church of Profitis Ilias. It is unique in Thessaloniki, in terms
of its architectural type. Of all its iconographic decoration, only the portrayal of the Infanticide, representative of the final
period of Palaeologan painting, survives in the narthex.

8. A walkable small city
Excellent restaurants Museums and sights
An increasingly hip and inventive nightlife
Festivals, events and vibrant culture
Shopping

9. Thessaloniki – one of the most frequent Google research words
Today Thessaloniki is a modern European city, an important trade and transportation center connected to all the Balkan
Countries.
Thessaloniki has always been a crossroad of civilization and culture and although it has only about one million people,
compared with Athens’s three million, it is widely considered as the cultural capital of Greece. The city is notorious for its
festivals, events and vibrant cultural life. Events such as “Thessaloniki International Trade Fair” and “Thessaloniki
International Film Festival” are held annually.
Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination in Greece. Its name is among the 20 most frequent words, which appear on
Google search results when it comes to Greek destinations. In 1997, it was nominated as the Cultural Capital of Europe while
in 2011, it was elected a European Youth Capital of 2014. In 2010, Lonely Planet ranked Thessaloniki as the world's fifth-best
party city worldwide, comparable to other cities such as Dubai and Montreal. For 2013, National Geographic
Magazine included Thessaloniki in its top tourist destinations worldwide, while in 2014, Financial Times FDI magazine (Foreign
Direct Investments) declared Thessaloniki as the best mid-sized European city of the future for human capital and lifestyle.
Thessaloniki is also one of the largest student centers in South-Eastern Europe (more than 200,000 students) with the Aristotle
University, the city’s main university, being the largest in Greece and the Balkans.
In 2004, during the Athens Olympics, the city hosted a number of athletic events, while being one of the Greek Olympic Cities.
It is a city that blends in harmony both a modern and a traditional world. They coexist and complement each other.
Grand Malls of thousand square meters, lengthy roads with shops of every taste and on every corner, restaurants ready to
satisfy any flavor (ala carte, gourmet, award winning, bistro etc.) bar-restaurants, clubs playing music till the first hours of
dawn, festivals which attract national and international interest, casino, cinemas, exhibitions form Thessaloniki's modern way of
life, combined with all the intensive everyday rhythms of a large city.
On the other hand, little squares with stone built shops, covered markets, neighborhoods with graphic stone-paved streets
surrounded by fine, neoclassical buildings or small beautiful ottoman houses, appear unexpectedly on a road turn. It seems that
time stopped somewhere in the past …

10. Shopping centers
Thessaloniki is the biggest and busiest pole for shopping and entertainment in Balkans. Thus, it attracts plenty of consumers,
even for a weekend. The city offers plenty of options, so that no taste or wallet is left unsatisfied. Thessaloniki’s commercial
center is the largest shopping area of the city, covering of hundreds square meters. However, there is a wide range of malls, at a
fairly short distance from the city center and easily accessible by car or bus.
Shopping Center
"Plateia“ located in
Tsimiski st., one of the
most central spots of
Thessaloniki
“Mega Outlet”, the
biggest discount
shopping center in the
Balkans
“Mediterranean
Cosmos” - a mall of
250.000 sq.m, one of the
biggest in the Balkans
Shopping Center
"Macedonia“ - consists
of 35 shops, cafes,
restaurants and cinemas
in a total area of 140.000
sq.m.
“Apollonia Politia”, the
center of branded items,
such as Calvin Klein,
Roberto Cavalli, Ralph
Lauren, D&G etc
“Attica” mall –
located in the center of
the city, covers an area
of 7.000 sq.m. It hosts a
wide range of branded
names
“One Salonica outlet
mall” – the 1st outlet
mall in South East
Europe representing
over 100 global brands

11. Festivals
THHF (Thessaloniki Hip Hop
Festival) is Greece's biggest hip-hop
festival. It is organized and promoted
by Zoltan Tribe.
Thessaloniki International Film Festival With its distinct
focus on independent cinema, TIFF invites filmmakers and
viewers to its unique cinematic celebration, that comprises
films from all over the world, film surprises, tributes and
parallel events
The Urban Picnic Festival is an event that offers
three days full of cinema and music
Dimitria is a three month long Festival of
cultural events, that takes place every year,
starting from the first days of September
until December. It is named after the
patron Saint of the city, Dimitrios.
The Documentary Festival aims at offering an annual gathering
in Thessaloniki, that focuses on the exploration of the 21st century images,
inviting the audience to explore human, landscape and a number of issues
through documentary.
The Let's Dance Bellydance Festival is
held every year in Thessaloniki. Its
main purpose is to promote the arts
and culture of the Middle Eastern
Dances (Arabic, Turkish, Indian, etc)
and civilizations.

12. Thessaloniki hosts:
30 Museums, such as the:
• State museum of Contemporary Art
• Archeological Museum
• Byzantine Museum
• Folk life and ethnological museum
• White tower
• Jewish museum
• Incectopia museum
• Museum of Photography
• Olympic museum
• Science center & technology museum, (NOESIS)
Museums & Sights
Ottoman monuments, such as the:
• Mosques of the Hamza Bey Cami, the Aladja Imaret
Cami, the Yeni Cami
• Hamams (turkish bathhouses), such as the Bey
Hamam, Pasha Hamam, Pazar Hamam
• Kemal Ataturk residence, Ottoman Bank, Villa
Mortoch, Villa Ahmet Kapantzi
Neoclassical buildings :
Thessaloniki hosts a number of very important
historical buildings, some of which have marked the
history of the city through a number of critical events.
Some of them are Villa Modiano, Casa Bianca, Allatini
Mill, Saoul Modiano etc

13. Bars & Restaurants
Thessaloniki offers multiple choices
for entertainment, even for the most
demanding.
Both traditional and modern Greek
music, jazz and rock, soul and many
other kinds of music, ouzeri (a type of
Greek tavern which emphasizes on
“ouzo”, an internationally renowned
Greek liquor) and mezedes, small
finger foods), restaurants, taverns,
cafés, patisseries, bars and night
clubs, bouzoukia (clubs with live
Greek music) are at the disposal of
anyone seeking to enjoy himself from
early in the morning till the first hours
of the next day.
Taverns & “Ouzeri” Clubs & Pubs
Patisseries Cafés - Bistro

14. “Bit Bazzar” - Since 1928. Right in the heart of the city, there are several antique shops, where one can discover
literally thousands of objects from the past. Known as Thessaloniki’s ‘Monastiraki’, Bit Bazaar is the ideal place for all
those who love flea markets, for people who love discovering small treasures, such as old postal cards and photos, as
well as for anyone who just likes to take a walk in a traditional market.
“Bezesteni” – a stone-built covered market with 6 domes. Bezesten, means “Fabric” in the Turkish language. It was
built in the 15th century by Sultan Mechmet, to house shops with valuable fabrics and jewels. Nowadays, Bezesteni
hosts shops, which sell anything needed for sewing.
“Louloudadika” (Flower Shops) – a small neighborhood with flower shops, in the center of Thessaloniki. At the
moment only 6 shops are left from the 11 that used to stand there.
Tour in the “neighborhoods” of Thessaloniki

15. “Kapani” or “Vlavi” Market - this is the oldest market in Thessaloniki. It used to host shops which sold flour (“Un
Kapan” in the Turkish language). Its benches are overflowed with fruits, vegetables, meats, fishes, and spices.
“Modiano” – this covered market was constructed by the Jew engineer Eli Modiano in 1922. It hosts the largest
market with quality food products.
“Athonos Square” - this area is known for the small shops, where one can find products made of wicker, such as
baskets and chairs. These shops are surrounded by taverns.
“Ladadika” - The word Ladadika literally means shops that sell oil and its by-products. Nowadays, it is one of the most
frequently visited places of the city, both by locals and by visitors. Espresso bars, coffee shops, taverns, beer stores,
live Greek music spots, clubs etc can be found there. One of the city’s main spots for entertainment.

17. Tourism Data

18. Tourism Data for 2014
In October 2014, the HVS Global Hospitality Services (New York-based consulting firm, specialized in providing services and
solutions to the hospitality industry), conducted a “Global Hospitality Report”. According to the report, the effort of the
authorities of Thessaloniki to create an attractive tourist product, has paid off. Their plan was specifically to focus on the
Balkan, Middle East and Turkish markets, employ the city’s cultural attractions, improve infrastructure and boost the presence of
international hotel operators. During 2014 a notable increase in stay-overs by tourists headed for the popular Halkidiki peninsula
was noted. Year-to-August data reveal a 17.9% increase in total hotel bed nights, compared to the same period in 2013, with
October being the city’s top performing month. The report also noted an 11.9% increase in international flights to the Thessaloniki
Macedonia Airport for September 2014, compared to the same month last year.
Thessaloniki also attempts to gain by attracting international brands, that form synergies, in order to expand their presence in
Greece. This, in turn, attracts international tourists wishing to stay longer and spend more in the city.
At the same time, the Hotel Association of Thessaloniki stated that overnight stays during 2014, increased to 16,75% in
comparison to 2013. More specifically, 2.058.908 overnights were recorded in 2014 compared to 1.763.535 in 2013. The
percentage of Greeks’ overnights raised to 13,01% (1.076.558 in 2014 over 952.599 in 2013), while the ones of foreigners raised to
21,14% (982.350 in 2014 over 810.936 in 2013).
A chart follows with the 20 nationalities which most prefer visiting Thessaloniki:

19. The 20 first nationalities which most visited Thessaloniki during 2014
Country No. of Overnights 2014 No. of Overnights 2013 Percentage
Greece 1.076.558 952.599 13,01%
Cyprus 107.434 76.029 41,31%
Turkey 75.223 71.437 5,30%
Russia 72.763 90.071 -19,22%
USA 62.668 44.319 41,40%
Germany 56.920 41.020 38,76%
Serbia & Montenegro 55.350 38.572 43,50%
Romania 51.856 40.495 28,06%
Italy 51.433 44.084 16,67%
Bulgaria 50.031 40.872 22,41%
Israel 42.665 48.477 -11,99%
United Kingdom 33.984 23.588 44,07%
Poland 27.963 12.275 127,80%
Albania 27.828 23.375 19,05%
France 24.245 20.297 19,45%
Libya 22.281 19.335 15,24%
Holland 16.649 8.475 96,45%
Syria 14.556 1.989 631,83%
Australia 14.321 12.650 13,21%
Belgium 13.169 7.074 86,16%
F.Y.R.O.M. 12.396 15.533 -20,20%

20. Tourism Data for 2015
The political and economical changes, that took place in Greece during the past 8 months, did not leave the tourism sector
unaffected. However, according to a research, conducted by GBR Consulting, on behalf of Thessaloniki Hotels Association, the
total number of overnight stays in the first eight months of 2015 rose by 7,57%, coming up to 1,400,897 stays (709,972 by
foreign tourists), compared to 1,302,347 in the same period last year.
More specifically, Greeks were first with 690,925 overnight stays, up by 6.11 percent, followed by Cypriots at 83,823
overnighters, an 18.51 percent increase.
Turkish travelers came second with 52,752 overnight stays, up by 4,14%. Serb holidaymakers were third with 43,295
overnighters, an increase of 5.02%. Germans chose to stay more in Thessaloniki, compared to last year, with 40,862 stays, up by
11.05 percent, with the Romanians fifth at 40,200 overnight stays, a 0.09 percent increase. American holidaymakers meanwhile,
are beginning to take a liking for Thessaloniki, recording a 36.69 percent rise, with 35,724 overnight stays. US travelers have
expressed a keen interest in the city’s religious tourism offerings, which also attract higher income visitors.

21. Profile of tourists
Mr Sapountzis, president and chief executive officer of “Tourism Plus”, a company specialized in the development of touristic
strategies, during his speech at the annual convention of the “Association of Hotel Managers of Macedonia-Thrace”, analyzed
the profile of tourists visiting Thessaloniki:
 Russians: they consider travelling to be prestigious. They seek seaside destinations, luxurious hotels, clean seas, safety
and they are interested in religious concept tourism
 Turkish: their criterion for choosing a holiday destination, is its rich cultural heritage and not necessary the sea. They
decide in an instant, where to spend their holidays
 Israelis: they like to rent a car and explore their holiday destination. They are fond of quality food, shopping, historic
places, small cities, music concerts
 Americans: they consider Thessaloniki to be an “exotic” place; it combines the sun and the sea, the food and the history
 Italians: they trust travel agencies for their escapes and the services offered by hotels. They like “quality food” and
prefer hotels with catering services, such as “Bed & Breakfast”. They also prefer environmental friendly hotels
 Germans: they tend to book very early their summer holidays, around January. Besides the sea and the sun, they are
interested in thematic travel packages such as “The Route that Apostle Paul Followed in Greece”
 Romanians: they are after good prices and early booking. They prefer to visit Thessaloniki with their car. 50% of the
Romanians, who travel abroad, is of high-income and they spend a lot in the local market
 Serbs: visiting Greece and especially Northern Greece, is their top holiday destination. They tend to save money to go
on holiday and if they are satisfied with the place of their visit, they re-visit it. They are very interested in
cultural events, religious tourism, city breaks, theme parks
Concluding, Mr Sapountzis, noted that during the next decade, Asian and Middle East tourists will occupy the first 10 places of
the chart with the nationalities that will mostly visit Greece.

22. The Municipality of Thessaloniki, in an effort to increase the number of visitors coming to the city, is developing alternative
forms of tourism or enforces the existing ones:
Historical – Anniversary Tourism: Honoring important historical events, such as the 1st World War, by organizing visits to
related monuments, sites and paths.
Wedding-Juvenile Tourism: Harnessing the historical monuments of Thessaloniki (ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, etc.) for
the organization of thematic weddings. Encouragement of creation of special tourist packages (student weekends / interrail –
travelling in Europe by train) and infrastructure for the attraction of youth (youth hostels).
Religious – Pilgrimage Tourism: Promotion of religious monuments and sites of Thessaloniki. Support actions taken for the
enrichment of the Byzantine identity of the city, such as the Festival of Byzantine Art and History.
Shopping Festival: enforcement of the local economy, through sales and offers in shops, restaurants, hotels.
City Break: Promotion of the city of Thessaloniki as the ideal destination for a short excursion.
Food Festival: promotion of the local gastronomy, nationally and internationally.
Conference tourism: Promotion of the city as an ideal destination for the organization of conferences.
Educational Tourism: Enforcement of the number of foreign students who can study in Thessaloniki.
Health - Geothermal springs Tourism: this mainly concerns the hospitality of patients from countries that lack high standard
health services and equipment, such as Balkan countries.
Future Plans

23. According to the data given by the Turkish embassy in Thessaloniki to the Athens-Macedonian News
Agency (AMNA), a rise in the number of weddings between young Turks, which have taken place over the past
few years in Thessaloniki, has been observed. The reason is that intending spouses want to bind their wedding
day with a place of great importance to them: the Turkish embassy, the house where Kemal Ataturk, the founder
of the of the Republic of Turkey was born.
According to one of the largest travel agencies of Thessaloniki, which organizes trips to and from Turkey, and the
Macedonian – Thrace Union of Tour Operators, the profile of young Turkish couples, who decide to get married in
Thessaloniki, are usually well educated and spiritual people with high income. They are people, who like being in
this city and with their word to mouth, they serve as a live advertisement. They will also contribute to the
categorization of Thessaloniki as a “civilized” destination.
Usually, the couples and the people who accompany them, choose to stay in good hotels, for at least two more
nights than other tourists from the neighboring country. They organize wedding receptions by the pool and end
their visit to the city with a tour to the Othman monuments of Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki is also preferred due to its proximity to Istanbul. Access is easy both by road and by airplane.
According to the president of the Macedonian – Thrace Union of Tour Operators, Russians also have shown
interest in performing weddings in Northern Greece, along with Israeli. Greek tour operators work towards that.
Wedding tourism

24. In 2013, Thessaloniki held the 219th place in the world conference ranking. In 2014, the city managed to climb 111 places and
occupy the 108th position, earning a place in the world map of conference tourism. The increase reached 57%, enlisting the city
along with Abu Dhabi, Doha and Los Angeles. According to the official ranking results, published by the International Congress
& Convention Association (ICCA), during 2014, 22 international conferences were organized in the city of Thessaloniki, in
comparison to 14 in 2013.
When it comes to the European ranking , the city climbed at the 60th place, along with Frankfurt, Belfast and Hague. A rise of
51 places compared to 2013, when Thessaloniki occupied the 111th place.
The above results enlist Thessaloniki in the highest position of the last 10 years.
Some useful conclusions, which derive from the analysis of the data, concern the agenda and the period preferred for the
holding of conferences: the main agendas are medical (18,8%), technological (13%) and scientific (14.2%) and the months
preferred are: September (20,9%), June (19.6%), October (12,9%) and March (11%).
The conference tourism is one of the most expensive tourism sectors. The conventioneer spends an average of 120€ per day,
on top of the expenses of his registration, transportation and his hotel accommodation.
Notable rise in conference tourism

25. THESSALONIKI: STYLISH AND CULTURED, WITHOUT THE BIG-CITY HASSLE
“Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki, is also one of the country’s most trendy and dynamic places to be – and not just in summer”
By Christopher Deliso (gonomad.com)
SOMEWHERE FOR THE WEEKEND: THESSALONIKI
“Greece's second city has been` bombed, burned and bailed out, but has never lost its creative core. And now it's on a bit of a roll” by Rachel
Howard (CondéNast traveller.com)
48 HOURS IN: THESSALONIKI
“Friendly, beautiful and with a wealth of cultural attractions, Greece's second city is better connected to the UK than ever before”
by Simon Calder (independent.co.uk)
THESSALONIKI MODERN
“Thessaloniki, northern Greece's history-rich port, has played unwilling host to several empires. Returning after a long absence, Daniel
Mendelsohn finds an up-to-the-minute modern city, still suffused with a beautiful sadness”
by Daniel Mendelsohn (travelandleisure.com)
SHORT BREAK IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE
“Ancient in origin yet young at heart, Greece’s second city is full of hidden secrets, exceptional food, thriving bars and a laid-back spirit”
by Sarah Baxter (wanderlust.co.uk)
A DAY IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE
“A day in Thessaloniki, Greece is a great introduction to Greece’s Second City. Often overlooked by tourists for Athens and the islands,
Thessaloniki has quietly been developing its own identity and with a massive young population, it is progressing nicely. Lonely Planet named
Thessaloniki as one of the top five party cities in the world. Walking around Thessaloniki, you get a sense of the energy and vibe of the city”
by Lee Abbamonte (azamaraclubcruises.com)
“IMMENSELY LIKABLE, Thessaloniki (thess-ah-lo-nee-kih) has never been more fun, cultured or affordable than it is right now. Greece's
second city has excellent restaurants, museums and sights, plus an increasingly hip and inventive nightlife scene, fleshed out by many
thousands of Greek and foreign university students. Thessaloniki's a great base, as it provides easy connections by air, land and sea with
numerous national and international destinations. And, as a safe and walkable small city, it has none of Athens' problems, either”
by lonelyplanet.com
What the world says about the city

26. Thessaloniki’s location is considered to be key point toward North, East and Western Europe. It is a knot of road, rail and air
transportation, that connects Greece with Balkans, Black Sea and European countries. Gradually, Thessaloniki evolves from a
metropolitan center of Macedonia-Thrace to an important growth pole of Balkans and Europe.
Location
In Greece, there are two main motorways, which cross its mainland and both pass outside Thessaloniki.
• Motorway 1 (A1), PAThE (derives from the initials of its route: Patras –Athens –Thessaloniki – Evzoni.) It is the oldest and
most important motorway in Greece and connects the country's largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki and passes through
many important regions of Greece
• Motorway 2 (A2), Egnatia Highway or Via Egnatia, is a new motorway, starting from the port of Igoumenitsa and ending at
the Turkish border. The Egnatia Highway is also known as the "horizontal road axis" of Greece, connecting major cities of
Northern Greece, from west to east and reaching the borders of neighboring countries, such as Albania and Bulgaria.
Distances between Thessaloniki and neighboring capital cities:
 Thessaloniki – Turkey (Istanbul): 595Km
 Thessaloniki - Sofia (Bulgaria): 280 Km
 Thessaloniki – Plovdiv (Bulgaria): 416 Km
 Thessaloniki - Beograd (Serbia): 610 Km
 Thessaloniki - Skopje (F.Y.R.O.M.): 220 Km
 Thessaloniki - Tirana (Albania): 328 Km
Basic Motorways

27. By air
Macedonia International Airport (SKG) is the second largest and one of
the busiest airports in Greece, with more than 35 airlines flying directly to
major European cities. The airport of Thessaloniki serves more than 4
million passengers per year and it is ideally located, 15km southeast of the
city center.
Reaching Thessaloniki
By car
Thessaloniki is well connected to all neighboring countries. FYROM and
Bulgaria from the North, Turkey from the East and Albania from the West,
as well as to Southern Greece, via excellent motorway links.
By bus
The Macedonia Intercity Bus Station connects Thessaloniki both with
domestic and international destinations: Bulgaria, Albania, Slovakia, Czech
Republic and Germany.
By train
Thessaloniki’s New Railway Station (TrainOSE), located very close to the
city center, is connected by bus-line nr. 78, both with the “Macedonia
Central Bus Station” (intercity bus terminal) and the “Macedonia
International Airport”.
Since May 10th, 2014, TrainOSE has been operating international railway
services, on a daily basis, on the routes Thessaloniki-Sofia and Thessaloniki-
Skopje-Belgrade, along with an extensive domestic network.

28. The proposal:
Conversion of a historical building
to an Art Hotel
in the center of Thessaloniki

29. Given all the advantages Thessaloniki features as a tourist
destination, that have been mentioned so far, we propose the
investment in an innovative, newly established 4star hotel, located
at a very privileged spot, in the center of Thessaloniki.
The relatively small sized, versatile, easy to manage hotel will offer
an ideal solution for accommodation to people who look for an
elegant economy hotel in the center of the city, regardless of
whether they visit Thessaloniki for business or pleasure.

30. The location of the proposed property is strategic for the development of a high aesthetics hotel. It is located in the center of
Thessaloniki, featuring proximity and easy access to all main locations (both commercial and touristic).
The building was constructed in 1937 and It used to be part of a tobacco warehouse complex. The building’s façade has been
characterized as a “listed building” (protected monument) by virtue of a decision of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. It is a
sample of “Tropical Deco”, which appeared in Thessaloniki during the second half of the 1930’s, since certain free elements and
especially the curved corners coexisted with the typical lines of De Stjil at the geometric design of the main façade.
According to the investment proposal, the building can be converted to a 4star hotel of 33 double bedrooms and 5 suites with
restaurant, bar and business center. One of its main advantages is the Roof Garden, which will offer the ability for outdoor
breakfast and dining during spring, summer, and early autumn months. The Roof Garden will cover an area of 248sqm.
The total area of the building is of 2.519 sqm.
According to the preliminary study, the hotel will be characterized by unique architectural elements, such as green patios of
about 2 m width, with a deck, sunscreens for each room, etc. It should also be noted that the final product is intended to
feature high standards in terms of function, aesthetic and building quality, meeting all the national required specifications on
energy performance, fire alarm systems etc.
Given that the structural system of the building will be reinforced, and that a full renovation will take place, an essentially
brand new building and therefore a brand new hotel will be delivered to the investor.
The proposed building

31. The proposal includes simply everything:
• Full restoration of the building, is planned together with full furnishing and equipment
• Complete reinforcement of the structural skeleton of the building will be made, full electromechanical installations will be
placed and the rest of necessary construction works will be performed, so that the final outcome will practically be a
completely new building
• Construction will follow the latest energy saving specifications, concerning not only the electromechanical installations, but
also the architectural design itself, such as the protection of the main façade from direct solar radiation, by creating internal
balconies, the organization of vertical gardens in the terrace etc.
• High quality hotel equipment from A to Z, as well as furniture, constructed by a leading Greek firm in the production of
business furniture, in accordance with the custom design of the architect team that has undertaken the project, will be
added
The architects that have been hired for the project, have not only designed the layout of every floor of the building in detail, but
they have gone further, by designing the decoration of interior spaces, as well. Their attitude towards higher quality modern
aesthetics and functionality has been applied in all their designs.
The investor will receive a brand new hotel, that will be turnkey ready for operation.
Should modifications in the floor plans, layout and use of spaces be required by the investor, this will be a matter of discussion,
so long the modifications are compatible with the Greek building regulations.
In case the investor seeks support for the management of the hotel, the development company will eagerly help on that.
What the proposal involves

32. The proposed property is located at walking distances from:
• a metro station
• the Aristotelous square
• the seaside of Thessaloniki
• social & night life areas, such as Ladadika and Valaoritou, as well as cultural spots
• banks
• the passenger port
• the White Tower
• large parking spaces

33. Distances from main points
By Car/Distance By Car/Time On Foot/Distance On Foot/Time
Passenger port 450 – 500 meters 3 – 5 minutes 450 – 500 meters 5-7 minutes
Railway station 1,0 – 1,2 Km 3 – 5 minutes 1,0 – 1,2 Km 10 - 16 minutes
Intercity bus station 3,3 – 3,5 Km 8 - 10 minutes _ _
Aristotelous square 700 – 900 meters 3 -5 minutes 700 - 800 meters 5 – 7 minutes
White Tower 2,00 – 2,10 Km 6 – 8 minutes 2,00 – 2,10 Km 15 – 18 minutes
Ladadika area 400 – 600 meters 2 – 6 minutes 200 – 300 meters 2 – 5 minutes
Valaoritou area 200 - 400 meters 1 -3 minutes 200 – 400 meters 3 – 5 minutes
International airport of
Thessaloniki
16 – 18 Km 29 – 30 minutes _ _
Bus stop _ _ 75 – 100 meters 1 – 2 minutes
Metro station _ _ 80 – 100 meters 6 – 8 minutes
The existence of bus stops around the hotel makes moving around the city easier. The central railway station and the Intercity
Bus Station can be easily reached, both by bus and taxi. After the commencement of the operation of the subway, this will be
one more important option for moving to and from the hotel.

34. Spaces and dimensions of the hotel

36. Photorealistic images

37. Hotel Lobby

38. Hotel Lobby (continued)

40. Hotel Lobby (continued)

41. Roof garden

42. Roof garden (continued)

44. Typical bedroom

46. Typical bedroom (continued)

47. The development company
&
its associates

48. The development company that undertakes to deliver the proposed project at a fully completed stage, features a long
experience in building holiday complexes and residences. It has completed the construction of more than 50 houses, villas and
apartments in the last 16 years. The company focuses on property development and construction of top quality holiday houses,
villas, apartments and hotels on the island of Thassos, Halkidiki and Thessaloniki in Northern Greece.
Building quality, superior aesthetics and outstanding locations characterize all of its works.
The company features large expertise and engages a plethora of specialized technical workshops. In an effort to cover the
needs of its customers, it has established engagements with people with long term experience in the field of construction:
topographers, architects, civil engineers, decorators etc. Designers the company has collaborated with, have undertaken the
design of custom made furniture and the decoration of villas and hotels in Qatar, Florence, Madrid, Brussels, Cyprus, Santorini
and Athens. They have also equipped with custom made household equipment well known hotel chains in Russia and famous
hotels and restaurants in London, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Reliability is an important value for the company. The establishment of long-term relationships with its clients is very frequent
and it is proven by the fact that the great majority of them are keen to offer their testimonials.
The development company

50. The architectural team of the proposed project, is one of Greece’s leading architectural firms. Their projects include the master
plans for six Greek universities, a series of public and private buildings and prizes in several architectural competitions. Most
of the projects have been published in architectural magazines and have been presented in several exhibitions in Greece and
abroad.
The underground extension of the Aristotle University Main Library has been awarded by an international jury the first prize of
the Hellenic Institute of Architecture “Architecture Awards 2000”, as the best public building in Greece of the period 1995-
1999.
The new headquarters building for the aluminium company “Alumil” has been awarded, also by an international jury, one of
the three equal prizes of the Mediterranean International Competition sponsored by U.I.A. (2003) for buildings with
sustainable aluminium facades.
Τhe Cultural and Recreation Centre in the Archaeological Site of the School of Aristotle at Naoussa, represented Greece - along
with 4 other projects – in the “European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture”, Mies van der Rohe Award 2007, and also
was awarded a special prize in the Competition of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture “Architecture Awards 2008”.
Finally, the practice’s proposal for the new facilities of the Faculty of Engineering for the University of Cyprus won the first
prize in an international architectural competition of two stages in December 2010. The construction is due to begin in
January 2016.
The work of the office has been exhibited in two large retrospective exhibitions at the Benaki Museum, Athens (2011) and the
Tellogleion Museum of Thessaloniki (2012), under the title: “A journey to the limits of modernism” together with the respective
monograph .
The architectural team that has designed the project

52. Thank you for studying our presentation!
Upon the signature of a confidentiality and non circumvention
agreement, more information concerning the building will be handed to
the candidate investor.
We are at your disposal for any queries or clarifications, regarding our
investment proposal and look forward to a meeting and guidance to
Thessaloniki and the proposed property!