Central Macedonia is a region in northern Greece, characterized by a combination of mountainous landscapes, fertile plains and coastlines along the Gulf of Thessaloniki. Its capital is Thessaloniki, the second largest city in the country, which is an important cultural, commercial and historical center. The region is rich in history, having once been the heart of ancient Macedonia, the land of Alexander the Great. In addition to Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia boasts numerous archaeological sites, Byzantine monasteries and beautiful natural locations, such as Mount Olympus and Meteora, famous for their unique rock formations and embedded monasteries.