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Heptapyrgion: Thessaloniki's Fortress of History

Explore Thessaloniki's historic Heptapyrgion fortress, from its ancient walls to panoramic views, and discover its captivating past.

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The Heptapyrgion, also known as Yedi Kule, is a historic fortress in Thessaloniki, Greece, with a rich history spanning from the Byzantine era to Ottoman rule. Once a defensive stronghold and later a prison, it now stands as a captivating historical site offering panoramic city views.

A brief summary to Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki

  • Επταπύργιο, Eptapirgiou 130, Thessaloniki, 546 34, GR
  • +302313310400

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain within the fortress can be uneven.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Aristotelous Square, take bus number 23 towards the walls. The bus runs approximately every 20 minutes from the central bus stop between Aristotelous Square and the harbor. Get off at the bus stop in front of Heptapyrgion; it's the stop immediately after the bus passes through the Trigonion walls. A single bus fare costs around €1.

  • Walking

    From Aristotelous Square, walk towards the waterfront promenade (Nea Paralia) and head east. Continue until you reach the Dikastiria area, then walk uphill along Eptapirgiou Street. The walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Take a taxi or ride-sharing service from Thessaloniki city center. Input 'Heptapyrgion' or the address 'Eptapirgiou 130, Thessaloniki 546 34'. The ride should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. A typical taxi fare from the city center will cost approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki

The Heptapyrgion, or Fortress of Seven Towers (though it actually has ten), is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the northeastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki. Towering over the city for over 1500 years, the fortress is a major historical site to explore. Originally built as a fortification to protect the city, the oldest sections of the fortress date back to the 4th century AD. The fortress was rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 15th century, after their conquest of Thessaloniki in 1430. The inscription on the colossal gate of the structure refers to the rebuilding of the fortress by city governor Cavus Bey in the Ramadan month of 1431 A.D. For centuries, it served as the major redoubt of the city's acropolis and the seat of its garrison commander. In the late 19th century, the Heptapyrgion was converted into a prison, a function it maintained until 1989. Known as Yedi Kule, it gained notoriety for housing political prisoners during turbulent periods in Greek history. The prison's dark history is reflected in Greek rebetika songs, and stories of torture and executions add to its eerie ambiance. Today, the Heptapyrgion is a historical site administered by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Restoration and archaeological work began in the 1970s and continue to this day. Visitors can explore the well-preserved walls, towers, and hidden passageways, while enjoying panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf.

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