The White Tower is the hallmark and one of the most interesting sights of Thessaloniki, as well as an important historical and architectural monument.
The White Tower was built by the Turks in the 15th century as part of the fortifications protecting the harbour of the city.
The White Tower was built by the Turks in the 15th century as part of the fortifications protecting the city harbour, on the site of the old Byzantine fortifications. Some historians believe that the fort was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who specialised in such structures, but no documentary evidence of this version has been found. During the Turkish rule, the tower was not only used as a fort, it was also used as a barracks and later as a city prison. In 1826, it was in this tower that a mass execution of rebellious Janissaries took place by order of Sultan Mahmud II. Because of the huge number of souls killed, the name "Tower of Blood" or "Red Tower" was firmly established for the tower.
In 1912 Thessaloniki was liberated and officially became part of Greece. After extensive reconstruction, the old tower was whitewashed as a sign of cleansing from the blood spilled within its walls, and the structure was named "White Tower" (it is worth noting that although the tower is still called "white" today, it is rather grey or, more precisely, "the colour of buffalo skin"). In 1917, the additional fortifications protecting the tower were demolished.
The White Tower is a very impressive structure of two cylindrically shaped towers, a large and a small one. The large six-storey tower is 34 metres high and 23 metres in diameter, while on its flat roof stands a much more modest tower of 6 metres high and 12 metres in diameter.
The White Tower is famous for its excellent observation deck with superb panoramic views of the city and the Thermaikos Gulf, and is also home to an interesting museum, whose exposition will give you a detailed insight into the history of Thessaloniki.
The White Tower is also known for its magnificent panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of Thermaikos.
