White Tower of Thessaloniki
The White Tower is a historical monument and museum at the waterfront of Thessaloniki. It was built in 15th century by the Ottoman Turks over an older Byzantium fortifications but the exact year and architect are still subject to debates among the scholars. It is a 34 meters high cylinder with diameter of 23 meters and a smaller tower placed on the top. The structure was part of the old city walls of Thessaloniki and was used initially for harbor defense.
During the years the tower was used as fortress, soldier headquarters and prison. In 1826 all rebellious Janissaries held in the tower were executed at the orders of Sultan Mahmud II. Due to the countless murders, tortures and executions, it was also known as the Blood Tower and Red Tower, a nickname it kept until the end of 19th century. In the beginning of 20th century Thessaloniki was incorporated into Kingdom of Greece. Around that time the tower was whitewashed as a symbolic gesture of cleansing, thus gaining its current name - White Tower.
Today the tower houses museums dedicated to the city life throughout the centuries. People can visit the tower, explore the museum, the four floors, the staircase and the roof. From the tower windows and rooftop there is marvelous view to the city and the harbor.
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highlights: fortress, prison and museum at the city waterfront, historic sight in Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Region, Greece