The Story Behind Thessalonikis White Tower

Undeniably the most popular monument in Thessaloniki and the trademark of the city, the White Tower, located along the waterfront of Greece’s second city, stands tall. This famous landmark is connected to the city’s rich past and offers visitors captivating views of the area, including the Thermaic Gulf. Today, the construction is home to a unique museum, making it one of the latest additions to the cultural scene of Thessaloniki. Here is the story of the White Tower.

The symbol of the city of Thessaloniki

Built on top of a Byzantine fortification around the 15th century, the White Tower was enclosed by defensive walls and served as a fort to strengthen the port and the coastline’s defenses. At that time, it was called the Lion Tower, in honor of the Ottoman military victory, while in the 17th century, it became known as the Tower of Kalamaria. Repurposed as a garrison and then a prison, it then took on the name of the Tower of Blood (or Kanli Kule in Turkish). It was in 1891 when it received its current name of White Tower and was painted white.

In the 20th century, the defensive walls were destroyed, while the tower served as a communication center for the Allied forces in World War I. Many ancient artifacts were also stored inside during the conflicts. From 1912 to 1983, the tower housed the air defense of Thessaloniki and also accommodated the university’s meteorological laboratory. Today, the tower is open to the public and is home to a museum focusing on Thessaloniki’s rich history and its multicultural spirit. Visitors can also enjoy impressive vistas from the highest level.

An informative museum dedicated to the city and its people

The museum of the White Tower explores Thessaloniki through the centuries and focuses on major milestones of the city’s life. Thanks to its strategic position, Thessaloniki has undergone centuries of transformation and has welcomed a plethora of populations and cultures. Through thematically arranged images, multimedia applications and unique artifacts, visitors get to discover the city from its birth to today and understand the different cultures and historical events that shaped its identity.

Second-floor gallery in the Museum of the History and Art of Thessaloniki, White Tower, Central Macedonia, Greece

Today, thanks to its convenient location, the White Tower is a common meeting point for locals and should definitely feature on your list of must-sees in this fantastic city. Whether you use it as a meeting spot or simply as a background to your photos, Culture Trip recommends that you visit this unique monument and its museum to better understand the city and its fascinating history. You won’t be disappointed.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.