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Trigoniou Tower: Thessaloniki's Panoramic Fortress

Explore Thessaloniki's Trigoniou Tower: a historic fortress with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Thermaic Gulf.

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The Trigoniou Tower, also known as the Chain Tower, is a 15th-century Ottoman-era artillery tower that stands as a prominent feature of Thessaloniki's Byzantine walls in the Upper Town (Ano Poli). Offering panoramic views of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, and Mount Olympus, it's a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to Trigoniou (Chain) Tower

  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for the most spectacular views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the Upper Town involves some walking on uneven terrain.
  • Explore the nearby Byzantine walls and Heptapyrgion fortress for a deeper dive into Thessaloniki's history.
  • Enjoy a coffee or traditional Greek delicacies at one of the charming cafes and taverns near the tower.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Church of Agios Pavlos in Ano Poli, walk north along the main road, Odos Agiou Pavlou. Continue for approximately 500 meters, following the road as it curves gently uphill. The Trigoniou Tower will become visible on your left, integrated into the Byzantine city walls. The walk is moderately steep and takes about 10-15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Aristotelous Square, take bus number 23 or 35 towards Ano Poli. Get off at the bus stop 'Agios Pavlos'. From there, walk uphill along Agiou Pavlou street for about 500 meters (10-15 minutes) until you reach the Trigoniou Tower. A single bus fare costs €0.90.

  • Taxi

    From the city center (e.g., Aristotelous Square), a taxi ride to Trigoniou Tower typically costs between €7-€9 and takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to take you to 'Trigoniou Tower' in Ano Poli.

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Discover more about Trigoniou (Chain) Tower

Perched atop Thessaloniki's Upper Town, the Trigoniou Tower is a striking remnant of the city's layered history. Constructed in the late 15th century by the Ottomans, it was strategically built to reinforce the Byzantine city walls after their conquest in 1430. The tower served as a crucial artillery and armory, defending against potential sieges and invasions. Its location was strategically important as this portion of the wall faced heavy attacks. Also known as the Chain Tower or Belted Tower during Ottoman rule, the Trigoniou Tower gets its name from a relief in the central section that resembles a belt. The name Trigonion Tower is due to the text of Ioannis Anagnostou, which refers to the stairs that the enemies touched on the Trigonio and thus invaded the city. Standing approximately 22 meters tall and 24 meters in diameter, the cylindrical tower is a robust structure built with a thick layer of stone. Its architecture is similar to the White Tower, another iconic Thessaloniki landmark. Today, the Trigoniou Tower is a beloved landmark offering visitors a stunning panoramic vista. From its height, one can see the city's sprawling landscape, the Gulf of Thermaikos, and, on clear days, even Mount Olympus. The area around the tower is filled with historic buildings, cafes, and taverns, making it a perfect spot to explore Thessaloniki's rich cultural heritage. It is an essential stop on the visitor's tour of the Byzantine walls.

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