MTSR 2025

19^th International Conference on Metadata and Semantics Research

Thessaloniki, Greece, 15 - 19 December 2025

Venue

Thessaloniki – The Host City of MTSR 2025

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece and the cultural heart of the north, will host the 19th International Conference on Metadata and Semantics Research (MTSR 2025). With more than one million residents, the city is a major center for business, transport, and academia, while at the same time offering visitors a unique blend of history, gastronomy, and hospitality.

Climate and Atmosphere

Thessaloniki enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. While in July and August temperatures average around 30°C, during December – the conference period – the weather is generally mild for the season, often ranging between 8°C and 15°C. The air is crisp but pleasant, and participants can expect cool evenings perfect for a walk along the famous seafront promenade.

The long waterfront stretching from the port to the Concert Hall is a lively meeting place for locals and visitors, especially at sunset. Even in winter, the promenade remains one of the city’s most iconic attractions, with bicycle lanes, coffee kiosks, and views over the Thermaic Gulf.

Essential Thessaloniki: Things to See and Do

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

• The White Tower: The city’s trademark and most photographed monument, originally built as a defensive fort and later used as a prison. Today it hosts exhibitions and offers panoramic views.
• The Arch of Galerius (Kamara) and the Rotunda: Remnants of the 3rd–4th century AD Roman complex, symbolizing Thessaloniki’s importance in the Roman Empire.
• The Roman Forum and Palace of Galerius: Archaeological sites in the city center, allowing visitors to walk where emperors once ruled.
• Byzantine Churches: Numerous early Christian and Byzantine churches, such as Agios Demetrios and Agia Sofia, are UNESCO World Heritage sites and highlight the city’s spiritual past.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Below you will find a representative list of Thessaloniki’s museums and cultural venues:

• Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki: Exhibits from prehistoric Macedonia, classical antiquity, and the golden era of Alexander the Great.
• Museum of Byzantine Culture: An award-winning museum offering an in-depth exploration of Byzantine art, daily life, and spirituality.
• MOMus (Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki): Includes MOMus–Contemporary Art and MOMus–Museum of Photography, showcasing international exhibitions and innovative projects.
• Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki: A poignant journey into the history of the once-thriving Jewish community of the city, largely destroyed during World War II.

Markets and Neighborhoods

The city hosts a wide variety of Markets and famous Neighbourhoods. Indicatively:

• Kapani Market: The oldest open market, full of colors, spices, fish, meats, and local delicacies.
• Bit Bazaar: A bohemian mix of antique shops, tavernas, and live music.
• Modiano Market: Recently renovated, combining gastronomy with architecture.
• Ano Poli (Upper Town): Traditional houses, cobblestone alleys, Ottoman-era monuments, and breathtaking views of the city and gulf.

Excursions and Wider Area

Thessaloniki’s location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring northern Greece, notable examples include:

• Mount Olympus: Just over an hour away, the legendary home of the Greek gods is now a national park offering hiking trails, monasteries, and mountain villages.
• Chalkidiki: Famous for its three peninsulas (“legs”), Chalkidiki is known for turquoise waters and sandy beaches, even in winter a beautiful destination for day trips and seafood dining.
• Vergina (Aigai): The ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom and burial site of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. The Archaeological Museum of Aigai, opened recently, is considered one of Greece’s most impressive museums, housing the royal tombs and priceless treasures.
• Pella: Another archaeological site, birthplace of Alexander the Great, showcasing mosaics and finds from the Macedonian dynasty.

These excursions provide a unique opportunity to combine academic exchange with cultural discovery.

Where to Stay

As MTSR 2025 takes place in the city centre, in the Helexpo International Exhibition & Congress area, participants are encouraged to select accommodation within walking distance from the venue. The conference venue is near the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, offering an easily accessible location surrounded by major landmarks, restaurants, and cafes.

Recommended Hotels (close to the venue):

• ABC Hotel – located right opposite the Helexpo entrance, popular for conference visitors.
• Queen Olga Hotel – comfortable option by the seafront, a short taxi or bus ride from the venue.

Accommodation can be easily found through booking platforms such as Booking.com and Airbnb. We recommend searching within a 1 km radius from the city centre, ensuring that your hotel or apartment is a short walking distance to the venue and main attractions.

Practical Information

• Airport: Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia” (SKG) Official Website
• Transport:
  • Bus: Line 01X (day) and 01N (night) connect the airport with the centre. Timetables and tickets
  • Taxi: ~30 minutes, €24–32 depending on traffic/time. Ask the driver for a receipt and confirm the approximate cost of your trip before departure.
  • Car Rental: Multiple companies operate at the airport.
  • Metro: Thessaloniki’s new metro system is fully operational, offering fast and reliable travel across the city. The line connects the western suburbs with the city centre and continues eastward, linking important neighborhoods and cultural sites.
    
    Two central stations in particular are of great interest:
    
    
  • Venizelou Station – where impressive archaeological remains of the city’s Byzantine “decumanus maximus” (main street) have been preserved in situ, creating a unique underground museum.
  • Agia Sofia Station – located near the Byzantine church of Agia Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and within walking distance of Aristotelous Square.
    
    The metro makes it easier for visitors to explore Thessaloniki’s historic heart as well as modern districts in a fast, comfortable, and sustainable way.
    
    
• Visa: For participants from outside the Schengen Zone, please check the Greek MFA Visa Portal.

Useful Links

• Thessaloniki Tourism Organization — regional tourism site with maps, experiences, hotels, travel tips
• Thessaloniki Tourism (official guide) — information on things to see & do, where to stay, history, culture.
• VisitGreece - Thessaloniki — official national tourism organization page with weather, climate, travel guide.
• Municipality of Thessaloniki — official municipal site; visitor info, services, local news.
• MOMus (Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts) — museums of modern & contemporary art, photography, exhibitions.
• White Tower Thessaloniki (official site) — info about this landmark, exhibitions, opening hours.
• TripAdvisor Thessaloniki