White Tower of Thessaloniki

About the museum

The White Tower of Thessaloniki was built in the 15th century, after the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1430, on the site of an older tower of the Byzantine fortifications, where the eastern wall met the sea. Over the centuries it was called the Tower of the Lion, the Tower of Kalamaria and the Tower of the Janissaries, and in the 19th century, when it was used as a prison and place of executions, it became known as the Tower of Blood. In 1883 it was whitewashed on the orders of the sultan, and it has been called the White Tower ever since.

After the sea wall and the eastern wall were demolished in 1911, the tower stood alone on the waterfront and became the symbol of the city. After the liberation in 1912 it had various uses, including as an air-raid shelter and as a meteorology laboratory of Aristotle University. In 1983 it was transferred to the Ministry of Culture.

The tower is circular, 33.90 m high and 21.70 m in diameter, and consists of the ground floor and six upper floors, linked by a spiral staircase of 92 steps. Since 5 September 2008 it has housed the permanent exhibition on Thessaloniki, from its founding in 316/15 BC to the present day.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the history of Thessaloniki on six floors
• Symbol of the city on the waterfront
• Roof terrace with views over the city and Olympus
• Multimedia, film screenings and interactive applications
• “Flavours” section with a dining area with four tables

Permanent exhibition

• Θεσσαλονίκη. Μνημεία και ιστορία – Πατρίδα των ανθρώπων – Στους δρόμους του εμπορίου – Το τερπνόν μετά του ωφελίμου – Γεύσεις – The permanent exhibition on the ground floor and six upper floors presents the history, people, trade, intellectual and artistic life and the flavours of Thessaloniki, with multimedia and film screenings.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού

Visitors per year

approx. 290,192

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October.

Free admission also applies to, among others, refugees, journalists, tour guides, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, and large families. Tickets are also available online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

People with mobility impairments can take a virtual tour at the information points on the ground floor.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational programmes for schools.

Getting there & parking

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is located on the city’s waterfront.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

The limited space and the conservation conditions of the monument do not allow toilets, a refreshment kiosk, a cloakroom or left-luggage storage.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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