Explore the camaraderie and connections that Dana Point Sister Cities International fosters. This dedicated space celebrates the bonds and collaborations with various cities worldwide that share mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and a spirit of cooperation with Dana Point. Discover the diverse array of cities where warm friendships and harmonious relationships have been nurtured, highlighting the values of unity and understanding that transcend geographical boundaries. Join us in celebrating the shared values and meaningful connections we’ve cultivated with our network of friendly cities.
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, with slightly over one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia, the administrative region of Central Macedonia and the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace.
It is also known in Greek as η Συμπρωτεύουσα (i Symprotévousa), literally “the co-capital”, a reference to its historical status as the Συμβασιλεύουσα (Symvasilévousa) or “co-reigning” city of the Byzantine Empire alongside Constantinople.
The city was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon, who named it after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip II of Macedon and sister of Alexander the Great. It was built 40 km southeast of Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia.
It was an important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. It was conquered by the Ottomans in 1430 and remained an important seaport and multi-ethnic metropolis during the nearly five centuries of Turkish rule, and from the 16th to the 20th century was the only Jewish-majority city in Europe. It passed from the Ottoman Empire to the Kingdom of Greece on 8 November 1912. Thessaloniki exhibits Byzantine architecture, including numerous Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments, a World Heritage Site, as well as several Roman, Ottoman and Sephardic Jewish structures.
A Coastal Gem with History, Beauty, and Community Spirit
Nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles, Dana Point beckons with its stunning coastal bluffs, rolling hills, and vibrant community. Explore a city rich in history, natural beauty, and endless ocean adventures. Embrace the allure of Dana Point as we celebrate local traditions and global connections.
