Thessaloniki (/ˌθɛsələˈniːki/; Greek: Θεσσαλονίκη [θesaloˈnici]), also known as Saloniki, Salonika, or Salonica (/səˈlɒnɪkə, ˌsæləˈniːkə/), is the second-largest city in Greece. It is also known in Greek as i Symprotévousa, literally “the co-capital”a reference to its historical status as the “co-reigning” city (Symvasilévousa) of the Byzantine Empire alongside Constantinople. There are over one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area.
Thessaloniki is located at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea, on the Thermaic Gulf. It is Greece’s second major economic, industrial, commercial and political center, and a major transportation hub for Greece and southeastern Europe, through the Port of Thessaloniki. The city is known for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural and student life in general. Important events such as the Thessaloniki International Fair and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival are held annually. Thessaloniki was the 2014 European Youth Capital. Aristotle University, which is the city’s main university, is the largest in Greece and the Balkans.
The Building
Since September 2016 the School of Thessaloniki is located at 62 Apostolou Paulou Str., in a beautiful building in Ano Poli (Upper City). It is the traditional neighborhood close to the Center of the City with a distinctive architecture and history. The building was built around the first half of the 20th century and part of it was renovated around 2000 keeping all the important characteristics of its history. Part of it has been the main house of the family until today. There are many remarkable architectural characteristics of the building that make it part of the history of Thessaloniki.
Opposite of our building there is a small traditional square, Kallitheas square, with tall trees and picturesque benches, a small bakery with traditional products and delicious pies and a small café that also serves out tasty meze in tiny plates, beer, tsipouro or ouzo. Every day we enjoy spending time there with our students during the breaks or we organize there open air Greek dance lessons, discussions on different topics of everyday life and more or we listen to Greek music.
A Thoughtfully Organized Space
The School of Thessaloniki is on the ground floor and it has an ease and direct access to the street and the Square.
Classrooms: There are 2 teaching classrooms for group lessons, and another place for the individual lessons or the very small groups.
Kitchen Facilities: A small but well equipped kitchen featuring a Nespresso machine, filter coffee maker, kettle, compact fridge, and essential utensils. There is also a water cooler with cold (and hot) water.
All our students are allowed to use the kitchen. The School offers daily coffee, tea, sugar and milk to all of the students.
Additional Features
Our Director
Christos Antoniadis is the Director of Thessaloniki’s School since the beginning of its operation in 2013. Christos studied Classical and Ancient Greek Literature and he has a Postgraduate Degree in Latin Language and Literature. His experience in teaching Greek as a second language both to adults and children is more than 25 years. He is also a writer, he has already published 2 novels and he expects his third book to be published by the end of 2025. Christos is not just the Director of Thessaloniki’s School. He is also an active member of the School’s team, an experienced and enthusiastic teacher, who enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Greek language, culture, history and more with his students. He is an integral part of the daily life of Thessaloniki’s School and very often he follows the students in their activities.
Our Teachers – Staff
Our qualified teaching staff have completed university and postgraduate studies in Greek Philology and Literature and they are highly experienced in teaching Greek. Among them are:
Anouso Tzinikou
Anouso, born and raised in Athens, lives in Thessaloniki for the last 12 years. She is part of the School of Thessaloniki since the first day in 2013.
Anouso studied Modern Greek and Byzantine Literature and she has a Postgraduate Degree in Modern Greek Literature and Poetry. She has been teaching Greek as a second language to adults since she was a postgraduate student in 2004, when she was a teacher at the School of Greek Language of the University of Cyprus.
Anouso is also the contact person for all, old and new students and you can reach her on the phone any day to ask her anything you need about your classes or your life in Thessaloniki.
She is very passionate with the Greek language, history and literature and she loves to teach and discuss with our students!
Maria Iatrou
Maria is born and raised in Thessaloniki and she is a philologist and a graduate of the Department of Philology at the University of Ioannina. She has completed her postgraduate studies at Dimokriteio University of Thrace, focusing on the teaching of Modern Greek as a second or foreign language.
Maria has a great passion for language, culture, and education and her goal is for each lesson to offer meaningful knowledge, linguistic confidence, and cultural connection. Her teaching approach is personalized, with respect for the needs, pace, and background of each student, adult or child.
Her energy and positive attitude is obvious both in and out of the lesson.
