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White Tower of Thessaloniki: A Historical Guardian

Explore Thessaloniki's iconic White Tower: a historic landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich past.

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The White Tower of Thessaloniki, a cylindrical stone structure on the city's waterfront, is a symbol of the city with a complex history. Built in the 15th century by the Ottomans, it has served as a fortress, prison, and execution site, before becoming the museum it is today.

A brief summary to White Tower of Thessaloniki

Local tips

  • Visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Purchase a combination ticket to save money if you plan to visit other museums in Thessaloniki.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide available in multiple languages to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
  • Check the opening hours and free entry days before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Aristotelous Square, head southeast on Nikis Avenue along the waterfront. The White Tower is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near the White Tower. You can take buses 3, 8, or 33 and get off at the bus stop 'City Hall'. Alternatively, bus lines 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 31, 39, or 58 will take you to the 'Stratigio' bus stop, also called Museum of Byzantine Culture. From either stop, it is a short walk to the tower. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.00-€1.30.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. You can flag one down on the street or find them at designated taxi stands. Simply tell the driver to take you to the White Tower on Nikis Avenue. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Beat are also available. A short taxi ride from the city center will typically cost between €5-€7.

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Discover more about White Tower of Thessaloniki

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a historical monument and museum located on the waterfront of Thessaloniki, Greece. Standing at 34 meters (112 feet) tall with a diameter of 23 meters (75 feet), the cylindrical tower dates back to the 15th century when Thessaloniki was under Ottoman rule. It was constructed after the army of Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430. The tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification. Originally, the tower was a defensive structure and part of the city's fortifications. Over the centuries, it has been used as a prison and place of execution. In 1826, it gained notoriety as the “Tower of Blood” or “Red Tower” due to a massacre of imprisoned Janissaries. In 1890, it was whitewashed by a convict in exchange for his freedom and renamed the White Tower. Today, the White Tower is a symbol of Thessaloniki and houses a museum dedicated to the city's history. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the city's past. Visitors can explore exhibits spanning the city's Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern eras. The tower has six floors connected by a spiral staircase, and the top floor has a terrace that offers panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea. The ground floor serves as the entrance to the tower and introduces the history of the tower. The first floor showcases Thessaloniki's Byzantine history.

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