Thessaloniki's urban network includes people walking on streets flanked by historic buildings and monuments.

Thessaloniki’s Urban Evolution: A Bold Plan to Connect 70 Monuments

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-10-16

Thessaloniki, Greece, is set for transformation with an ambitious urban masterplan by Apostolopoulos Tasoulis. The project, known as Armosi (Άρμοση), aims to unify more than 70 monuments and archaeological sites through an expandable network anchored along the historic Egnatia Street and Aristotelous Street. This innovative design, grounded in UNESCO‘s Historic Urban Landscape approach, interweaves the city’s diverse Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Jewish, and modern layers into a seamless public space.

Galerius Arch and Rotunda amidst trees, highlighting historic imperial axis restoration.
Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, restoring the continuity of the historic imperial axis | all images ©Apostolopoulos Tasoulis

Seamless Integration within the Unified Network

The proposal by the renowned architectural studio leverages a minimalist design toolkit to redefine urban spaces without visual clutter. A light-colored paved surface serves as a neutral canvas, complemented by standardized lighting and signage. Key interventions at the Rotunda and Galerian Complex revitalize the historic imperial axis, integrating subterranean facilities and introducing new entry points at the Roman Forum as part of the unified design.

Explore how architecture can transform existing structures by reading about the BT Tower’s hotel conversion in London, showcasing ambitious redesign in urban centers.

Alatza Imaret, Ottoman monument, framed by vibrant public space with greenery.
Alatza Imaret, a renewed public setting, enhances the presence of the Ottoman monument

Connecting Nature, History, and Transit in the City Network

Enhancing urban connectivity, the plan integrates pedestrian pathways with expanded green corridors, linking Thessaloniki’s rich archaeological heritage directly to its metro network and public transit systems. This strategy not only calms vehicular traffic but also encourages a vibrant pedestrian culture, making historical sites an integral part of daily city life. The design fosters historical integration, supporting a seamless blend of past and present urban living.

Egnatia street, green public landscape integrates historical remains, plants, and transport.
Egnatia, the historic east–west artery as a continuous public landscape, integrating archaeological remains, greenery, and mobility
Rotunda monument surrounded by a newly established public square.
Rotunda, a new public square formed around the monument
Galerian Complex, showcasing interconnected archaeological sites along imperial axis.
Galerian Complex, a sequence of interconnected archaeological sites, re-establishes the historic imperial axis
Dikastirion Square offers enhanced access to the Roman Forum.
Dikastirion Square, new access of the Roman Forum
View of Roman Forum, blending ancient remains with nearby modern cityscape.
Roman Forum, reconnecting the archaeological remains with the contemporary city

Project Details

  • Name: Unification of Archaeological Sites and Monuments, Thessaloniki
  • Architect: Apostolopoulos Tasoulis | @apostolopoulostasoulis
  • Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Award: 1st prize, Public competition
  • Organizer: Anaplasi consulting engineers SA
  • Partnering Organizations: Ministry of Culture & Municipality of Thessaloniki
  • Lead Architect: Apostolopoulos Tasoulis
  • Team: Dimitra Koutroumba, Giorgos Mertzanidis, Lefteris Stergiou, Natalia Boura, Vasiliki Papargyri, Evi Mimikou, Fotis Sagonas, Eleanna Roussou
  • Urban Planning: Bethlehem Hastaoglou-Martinidis, Katerina Christoforaki, Polina Prentou
  • Landscape Architecture: Studio Soma, Alana Espacio
  • Traffic Planning: VM Consulting
  • Structural Engineering: PPA Structure
  • Mechanical Engineering: Melcon Engineering
  • Climate and Environmental Design: Transsolar – Christian Frenzel, Dimitris Tremos
  • Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: Dimitra Sikalidou, Eleftheria Kyriakopoulou
  • Agronomy and Forestry: Eleni-Antigoni Folina, Archontoula Sakellariou
Detailed masterplan illustrating green axes and major urban features.
masterplan 1.2000 masterplan 1.1000 green axes
City masterplan highlighting green axes and infrastructural layouts.
masterplan 1.2000 masterplan 1.1000 green axes
Comprehensive masterplan showing urban green corridors and connections.
masterplan 1.2000 masterplan 1.1000 green axes
Thessaloniki's urban network includes people walking on streets flanked by historic buildings and monuments.

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the goal of the Armosi project?

The Armosi project aims to unify more than 70 monuments and archaeological sites through an expandable network anchored along Thessaloniki’s historic Egnatia Street and Aristotelous Street.

How does the project affect urban connectivity in Thessaloniki?

The plan enhances urban connectivity by integrating pedestrian pathways with expanded green corridors, linking Thessaloniki’s archaeological heritage directly to its metro network and public transit systems.

Who is leading the architecture for the Thessaloniki project?

The architecture for the Thessaloniki project is led by architect Apostolopoulos Tasoulis.

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