Thessaloniki White Tower

Thessaloniki, Greece

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The Thessaloniki White Tower is the most famous landmark of Thessaloniki, standing prominently on the city’s waterfront along the Thermaic Gulf.

Built by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, likely on the site of an older Byzantine fortification, the tower originally served as part of the city’s defensive walls and later functioned as a garrison and prison. During Ottoman rule, the tower gained a reputation as a place of imprisonment and executions, earning the nickname “Tower of Blood.”

After Thessaloniki became part of Greece in 1912, the tower was whitewashed and gradually transformed into a symbol of the city. Today, the White Tower houses a museum that presents the history of Thessaloniki from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore its exhibits and enjoy panoramic views of the city and sea from the top, making it one of the most popular attractions in northern Greece.