At the eastern end of the city centre is Attaturk house. This is the house where Turkish leader Mustafa Attaturk was born. It is now housed inside the compound of the Turkish Consulate.

Security will first need to buzz you in and entrance is free. The interior does not have much furnishings now but does tell the story of Attaturk and the city's history.

Attaturk had studied in other regions of the Balkans such as Bitola Macedonia which I would also be visiting, or the Greek name, Monastir.

There were pictures of the old city of Salonica (Thessaloniki) which was full of Minarets during the time of Attaturk.

There were also family gatherings, as well as his mother and other group photos.

Finally there were exhibits detailing the population exchange of the 1920s when all Greek and Turk minorities living in the opposite country were forced under treaty to return to the motherland when both countries became independent thus ending Turkish influence in Salonica and the city adopted the Greek name Thessaloniki.

A short walk away in the midday heat was the Rotunda. This is a legacy of the Roman past and was adopted by later cultures.

After Roman rule, the Rotunda was used by the Byzantines as an early church. Later during Turkish rule it became a Mosque and a Minaret was built beside. The layers of religious history are evident.

Inside some of the original art remains although there is restoration work ongoing to strengthen the structure.

A short walk down the wide boulevard will lead you to the Arch of Galerius. This is another remnant of Roman rule.

There are detailed layers of carvings telling different stories from the Roman age.

Beside was a nice Orthodox Church to cool down inside in.

I got a nice fruit smoothie for 2.50 Eu ($3.25) to cool down and some protein for lunch. Now energized I headed for the famous White Tower to check out the other sights.