13. Kapani Market

Kapani Market (also known as Vlali Market) is the oldest traditional market in Thessaloniki, with a history that dates back to the late 15th century. It is located to the west of Aristotelous Square and is bordered by Egnatia, Aristotelous, Ermou and Venizelou Streets. Its main entrance is at the northern end of Aristotelous Square. 

During the Ottoman period, it was an important commercial centre of the city and its name comes from the Turkish phrase "Un Kapan", meaning "flour market", as flour was primarily traded in this area. Most of its history revolves around its connection with the daily life of the people of Thessaloniki, but during the Greek Revolution of 1821, Kapani became a site of martyrdom, as many prominent figures of the Greek community were hanged here by the Ottomans. They were accused of being members of the Filiki Eteria (the Society of Friends), a secret group that played a crucial underground role in igniting a coordinated uprising against the Ottomans. Among them was the merchant Georgios Vlalis, from whom the market also takes its name. Many surrounding street names also commemorate the Greek heroes who lost their lives here.

After the Great Fire of 1917, Kapani Market was redesigned and rebuilt according to the plan by French architect Ernest Hébrard, who was in charge of the reconstruction plan of Thessaloniki. The new buildings were small, with single and two-storey structures, featuring both covered and open arcades, but they did preserve the market's traditional Anatolian style. 

Historically, compared to the neighbouring Modiano Market, Kapani has always been the more "popular" or working-class market of the city. And despite damage from the earthquake of 1978 and its subsequent reconstruction, Kapani has retained its traditional character.

Since the early 20th century, it has shifted from trading flour to offering a wide array of products, including pulses, fresh and cured meat, seafood, vegetables, olive oil products, spices, and household goods – mainly sourced from around Macedonia and the region of Thrace. Today, you’ll still find all these items sold here, alongside traditional ouzeries and coffee shops. Strolling through the market and hearing the banter of the merchants brings the old world of Thessaloniki to life. 

And one more thing... Kapani also hosts the annual Kapani Project festival, featuring music, exhibitions, street food, and more, adding another dimension to the city's most traditional market.

Very close to Kapani Market, east of Aristotelous Square, you'll find another traditional market of Thessaloniki, the Athonos Market. You can enter this market either from the northern part of Aristotelous Square or from Athonos Square.