An important step in highlighting the historical continuity and cultural identity of Thessaloniki is marked by the announcement of an architectural design competition for the emblematic project “Unification and Promotion of Monuments in Thessaloniki.” The competition, announced on December 15, 2025, is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and the Public Space Redevelopment Company S.A., with the aim of creating a modern, coherent, and accessible network of monuments that will highlight the city’s unique historical stratification.

The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, stated:

“The announcement of the architectural competition for the ‘Unification and Promotion of Monuments in Thessaloniki’ is a mature and decisive step for the city. This is a project that has been occupying the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and the relevant authorities for more than 25 years. Now, it is entering the creative synthesis phase. Thessaloniki has a unique and multi-layered cultural heritage—from Hellenistic and Roman remains to Byzantine, Ottoman, Jewish, and more recent monuments—which necessitates a completely tailored approach. Under no circumstances can the methodology followed in Athens be applied here, as Thessaloniki’s monuments are densely concentrated and integrated into the active urban fabric. The aim of the project is to create a unified, functional, and aesthetically upgraded network of monuments that will be harmoniously integrated into the modern life of the city, improving accessibility and the daily experience of residents and visitors. Culture is not only an element of identity and promotion, but also a key factor in social cohesion and the qualitative upgrading of public space. The choice of an architectural competition ensures scientific completeness, the quality of proposals, and the greatest possible consensus, so that Thessaloniki can acquire a coherent and modern cultural landscape worthy of its history.”

This important project for the promotion of Thessaloniki’s historical and cultural heritage covers the entire historical spectrum of the city, including ancient, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern monuments. Its development is based on a modern and multidimensional theoretical framework, combining cultural heritage management with the principles of sustainable tourism development, cultural identity, and socially equitable urban regeneration. It envisages the integration of selected monuments through interventions aimed at gentle mobility, direct contact with the historical environment, visitor information, and full accessibility for all. It is aimed not only at visitors but also at the city’s residents, strengthening social cohesion and a sense of identity, while offering new opportunities for cultural and creative entrepreneurship. Ultimately, it can serve as an educational and participatory tool through cultural education activities and collaborations with schools and local organizations.

According to the schedule, the architectural competition will be completed in the summer of 2026, when the planned awards will be presented.