Memorial to the Old Jewish Cemetery Thessaloniki
A poignant memorial in Thessaloniki honoring the city's vibrant Jewish community decimated by the Holocaust.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Quiet reflection time
Memorial to the Old Jewish Cemetery Thessaloniki
Best Time
Quiet reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant memorial in Thessaloniki honoring the city's vibrant Jewish community decimated by the Holocaust.
"A small and powerful monument to remind and commemorate a great loss."
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire out of respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:
Quiet Contemplation
This is a place for remembrance. Keep conversations hushed and allow for quiet reflection. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Burning Bush
Central element of the memorial
A powerful symbol of resilience and remembrance, representing the enduring spirit of the community.
Ascending Figures
Part of the memorial sculpture
Figures reaching towards the sky, evoking the tragic ascent to Auschwitz and the loss of life.
The Menorah
Integrated into the memorial design
A classic symbol of Judaism, incorporated into the monument to honor the lost community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Location Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire out of respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:
Quiet Contemplation
This is a place for remembrance. Keep conversations hushed and allow for quiet reflection. :pray:
I would like to visits a Jewish cemetery, what are some does and don’ts?
Thessaloniki, day 8: most interesting fact
Understand the History
Learn about the Holocaust's impact on Thessaloniki's Jewish community before visiting. :books:
Photo Etiquette
Take photos respectfully. Avoid selfies or overly casual poses. :camerawithflash:
The city of Thessaloniki changed a lot after the holocaust
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire out of respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:
Quiet Contemplation
This is a place for remembrance. Keep conversations hushed and allow for quiet reflection. :pray:
Understand the History
Learn about the Holocaust's impact on Thessaloniki's Jewish community before visiting. :books:
Photo Etiquette
Take photos respectfully. Avoid selfies or overly casual poses. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the memorial to be a powerful and moving tribute to Thessaloniki's lost Jewish community. Its symbolic design effectively conveys the tragedy of the Holocaust. While a solemn site, its placement in a public square makes it accessible for reflection.
"Before World War II, Salonika's Jewish population was about 50,000 it was the largest Jewish community in Greece. During the German occupation the ancient and vibrant Jewish community of Salonika was destroyed and after the War, fewer than 2,000 Jews lived in Salonika. İn memory of those 50.000 Jews from Thessalonike, victims of Holocaust."
orcan alorcan
"Nice memorial for the Jewish Holocaust"
Danny Lahav
"This memorial is between the restaurants, across the port. God bless all."
Anıl S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located in Plateia Eleftherias (Liberty Square) in Thessaloniki. It's easily accessible by public transport or a short walk from the city center. Many visitors find it convenient to reach by bus or taxi.
Parking in Liberty Square can be challenging due to its central location. It's advisable to use public transportation or a taxi, or to look for parking garages in the surrounding areas.
Yes, the memorial is a short and pleasant walk from Thessaloniki's waterfront promenade, making it an easy addition to a city exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Memorial to the Old Jewish Cemetery Thessaloniki is an outdoor public monument and does not require an entrance ticket. It is freely accessible to all visitors.
As an open public space, the memorial does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit it at any time of day.
There is no admission fee to visit the memorial. It is a free public monument dedicated to remembrance.
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
This memorial commemorates the devastating loss of Thessaloniki's Jewish population during the Holocaust, where over 95% perished. It stands as a reminder of their history and the atrocities committed.
You will see symbolic elements like a burning bush, ascending figures, flames, and a menorah, all designed to evoke the community's suffering and resilience.
Visitors are permitted to take photos, but it's crucial to do so respectfully. Avoid casual poses or disruptive behavior, as it is a place of solemn remembrance.
While there aren't typically formal guided tours specifically for the memorial itself, many historical tours of Thessaloniki include a stop here, providing context and information.
Approach the memorial with a quiet and reflective mindset. Take time to read any accompanying information and contemplate the history it represents.
📸 📷 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, allowing for more respectful and impactful photography.
While generally allowed, be mindful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography and focus on capturing the memorial's symbolic elements.
Focus on the symbolic elements like the burning bush, figures, and menorah. Capturing the scale and emotional weight of the memorial can be powerful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Reflective Visitors
Approach the memorial with a respectful demeanor. Consider spending a few moments in silence to honor the victims. The symbolic elements, such as the burning bush and ascending figures, are designed to evoke a strong emotional response and encourage reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
History Enthusiasts
Consider pairing a visit to the memorial with other historical sites in Thessaloniki that relate to its diverse past. Understanding the context of the memorial within the broader narrative of the city's history provides a more comprehensive and impactful experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Context and Significance
During the Holocaust, Thessaloniki lost over 95% of its Jewish population. The vast majority were transported in horrific conditions via cattle train cars to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Many perished upon arrival, while others succumbed to exhaustion, starvation, beatings, and execution as slave laborers. The memorial's design, featuring elements like the burning bush, ascending figures, flames, and the menorah, serves as a powerful visual narrative of this immense loss, the suffering endured, and the enduring spirit of the community.
Understanding this history is crucial for a meaningful visit. It transforms the memorial from a mere monument into a deeply resonant symbol of remembrance and a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect and a willingness to learn about this dark chapter in history.
Symbolism and Design Elements
The ascending figures are a particularly moving aspect of the memorial. These figures appear to be reaching upwards, symbolizing the tragic journey of those deported to concentration camps, their ascent into an unknown and terrifying fate. They also evoke a sense of souls ascending to a higher plane, a spiritual release from earthly suffering. The inclusion of flames further emphasizes the destruction and the immense suffering experienced by the community.
Finally, the Menorah, a traditional symbol of Judaism, is integrated into the monument, grounding the memorial in its religious and cultural identity. Together, these elements create a powerful and somber artistic statement that honors the memory of the 50,000 Jewish victims from Thessaloniki and serves as a perpetual reminder of the Holocaust's devastating impact.
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