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East Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki: A Journey Through Time

Explore Thessaloniki's East Byzantine Walls: a historic landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich Byzantine past.

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The East Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki are a remarkable historical landmark that encapsulates the city's storied past. Constructed during the Byzantine era, these impressive fortifications served as a crucial defense against invaders and are a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the time.

A brief summary to East Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki

  • Egnatia 127, Thessaloniki, 546 35, GR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone paths can be uneven and steep in places.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities nearby, especially if you plan to explore extensively.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance of the walls and their architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Starting from Aristotelous Square, a central point in Thessaloniki, head east along Egnatia Street. Continue walking straight for about 1.5 kilometers, passing shops and cafes. Look out for the White Tower on your left. The East Byzantine Walls will be located on your right near the intersection with Egnatia 127. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take bus number 31 from the stop at Aristotelous Square towards the East Byzantine Walls. Get off at the stop 'Egnatia 127'. Walk a short distance to your right, and you will find the East Byzantine Walls directly ahead. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi from anywhere in Thessaloniki and tell the driver to go to 'Egnatia 127'. The East Byzantine Walls are a well-known landmark. A short taxi ride from Aristotelous Square to the East Byzantine Walls typically costs between €5 and €7.

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Discover more about East Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki

The East Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki stand as a testament to the city's rich history and strategic importance during the Byzantine era. Constructed in the late 4th century AD, the walls incorporate parts of an earlier, late 3rd-century wall. These fortifications were not merely a defense against invaders but also served as a boundary between the city and the surrounding agricultural areas. The walls, stretching for approximately 4 kilometers today, once formed a trapezium shape of about 8 km long. The structure features a mix of ashlar masonry and brick bands, typical of late Roman construction. Towers, mostly rectangular, and triangular bulwarks punctuate the walls, especially in vulnerable areas. Exploring the walls offers panoramic views of the city and the Thermaikos Gulf. Over the centuries, the walls underwent continuous maintenance and modifications. In the 7th century, improvements were made to bolster defenses against the Avars and Slavs. After the Saracens breached the city in 904, the sea walls were reinforced. Today, the surviving sections of the East Byzantine Walls, along with the Acropolis and Heptapyrgion, form an imposing complex, standing as a monument of great archaeological and cultural value.

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