Bensousan Han

About

A goundbreaking case of reusing architectural heritage! Bensousan Han is considered to be the oldest surviving motel (han) of Thessaloniki. The owner of the motel was Samuel Bensousan, sephardic (spanish-jewish origins) and the building is called after him. The basement and the groundfloor were built since 1810 and the first floor followed. It is considered an architectural achievent, carrying elements from all the eras of its function! The groundfloor was the stables for the horses and the floor was the sleeping area, you wouldn't rent a room but a bed, many beds in each room, like a cheap hostel. Around 1930 Bensousan's children sold the place to a local family so the bulding transformed into a more Commercial House, the groundfloor became shops and the upper floor offices and storage premises. Today we are hosting cultural, artistical and educational events at all the levels of the monument, all year long! The groundfloor is a gallery with the title: "99 Boxes".

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes