Thessaloniki is a prosperous city in Greece and one of the most important commercial and communicational centres in the Mediterranean. Thessaloniki is smaller than Athens, but it  is significant important for Greece economy and tourism. During Byzantine times, the city was a cultural and artistic centre, lagging only behind Constantinople in the entire Roman empire. One of the most famous landmarks in Thessaloniki is The White Tower, which is a symbol of the city. Another interesting sight  to visit in the city is the church of Saint Demetrius, an exceptionally beautiful church, built with pink bricks, where the relics of Saint Demetrius are kept. You can also visit The Church of the Saints Cyril and Methodius; the Navarino Square with The Palace of Galer and the Arch of Galer, built in 305. Make sure you take a look at the city’s fortress wall, the Rotunda of St. George and The Fortress Eptapyrgio, which has a beautiful view to the city and Thermaikos bay. Except for the Thessaloniki University, there are many more institutes, which contribute to the academic and cultural life in Thessaloniki. Among them are The University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine Museum, the State Conservatoire of Thessaloniki, theaters, the Institute for Balkan Studies and other cultural and artistic organizations.