In Eleftherias Square, next to the lively Ladadika district, stands the National Bank of Greece building, one of Thessaloniki’s most distinctive architectural works. It houses both a branch of the National Bank of Greece and the Thessaloniki office of the Bank of Greece, the country’s central bank.
The Fire of 1917 reshaped Thessaloniki, destroying much of the city, including the original bank building. With the growing need for modern infrastructure, the National Bank of Greece planned a new headquarters. After a lengthy approval process, architects Aristomenes Valvis and Nikolaos Mitsakis designed a new building, completed in 1933. Originally intended for the National Bank of Greece, part of the space was soon allocated to the Bank of Greece.
The building’s interior moves beyond strict neoclassicism, incorporating elements of Byzantine, Italian Renaissance, and Art Deco influences. It consists of an underground level, ground floor, mezzanine, and three upper floors. A striking central dome allows natural light to filter in, highlighting the intricate details of the space.
The surrounding streets reflect Thessaloniki’s commercial past, lined with impressive bank buildings from the early 20th century. Today, the streets around the bank are alive with small boutiques, cozy cafés, and locals going about their day. Yet, the grand facades of old bank buildings still whisper stories of Thessaloniki’s past.
Walking through this part of Thessaloniki offers a glimpse into its layered history. Among the neoclassical facades and contemporary city life, the National Bank of Greece building stands as a reminder of an era when architecture was a statement of progress and ambition.
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