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
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
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. 👗
Quiet Contemplation
This is a place for remembrance. Keep conversations hushed and allow for quiet reflection. 🙏
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 217 reviews
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. 👗
Quiet Contemplation
This is a place for remembrance. Keep conversations hushed and allow for quiet reflection. 🙏
I would like to visits a Jewish cemetery, what are some does and don’ts?
I like to visit the cemetery my grandparents were laid to rest in every few weeks. I usually go around and look for more run-down graves and I’ll clean a little and light a small candle and/or leave a bunch of flowers. Adjacent to the aforementioned cemetery there is a Jewish…
Thessaloniki, day 8: most interesting fact
Thessaloniki had one of the biggest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. It had hundreds of thousands of graves and was located where the university is now. It got destroyed during 2. World war with only 2 graves surviving. One is visible inside the political faculty. Up until the 1960…
Understand the History
Learn about the Holocaust's impact on Thessaloniki's Jewish community before visiting. 📚
Photo Etiquette
Take photos respectfully. Avoid selfies or overly casual poses. :camerawithflash:
The city of Thessaloniki changed a lot after the holocaust
Lived in thess for a while and I was shocked when I saw the photos of the old cemetery. Such a shame they built auth on top of a beautiful and unique place. Αλλά είναι ενα πολύ καλώ post. Ευχαριστώ ✌️
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire out of respect for this solemn memorial site. 👗
Quiet Contemplation
This is a place for remembrance. Keep conversations hushed and allow for quiet reflection. 🙏
Understand the History
Learn about the Holocaust's impact on Thessaloniki's Jewish community before visiting. 📚
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit