Since medieval times , Thessaloniki was hit by strong earthquakes , notably in 1759 , 1902 , 1978 and 1995 . On 19 – 20 June 1978 , the city suffered a series of powerful earthquakes , registering 5.5 and 6.5 on the Richter scale . The tremors caused considerable damage to a number of buildings and ancient monuments , but the city withstood the catastrophe without any major problems . One apartment building in central Thessaloniki collapsed during the second earthquake , killing many , raising the final death toll to 51
a series of powerful earthquakes
1978 Thessaloniki earthquake
Thessaloniki