Ancient ruins in Thessaloniki

#mediterraneanvibes #thessaloniki #greece The Palace of Galerius surprised me. At first glance, it's just a small archaeological site, but there's something special about how these ancient Roman ruins blend into the everyday life of modern Thessaloniki. You can easily walk the whole site in about 15-20 minutes, but I'd recommend coming early in the morning when it's cooler and quieter. There's practically no shade here, so midday visits can get uncomfortably hot. What really stayed with me was the striking contrast - massive stone fragments that survived centuries standing just meters away from ordinary apartment buildings with balconies full of drying clothes and potted plants. It's this unpretentious mix of ancient and modern that makes the place feel alive rather than just another museum piece. The palace makes for a perfect short stop during a walk around the city center. It's located right in the heart of things, so you can easily combine it with other sights or a coffee break. And don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the ruins with some local cats - they seem to consider themselves the true heirs to this imperial complex. All in all, it's a small but memorable piece of Thessaloniki's layered history.