The White Tower of Thessaloniki – History, Legends & Unforgettable Views

Standing proudly by the sea for more than six centuries, the White Tower is the most iconic monument of Thessaloniki — a true symbol of the city’s long and layered history.

If you’re wondering what to see in Thessaloniki, this is the perfect place to start. Join Oh My Guide! for a fascinating tour as we explore the Tower floor by floor, discovering its hidden stories, myths, and breathtaking views.

A Journey Through Time – The Ottoman Period

The White Tower was built in the mid-15th century (around 1430), shortly after the city’s conquest by the Ottomans. It replaced an older Byzantine tower and served as a fortress, watchtower, prison, and even a place of execution.

Because of its grim history, it was once called the “Red Tower” or “Tower of Blood.” A dark chapter that shaped Thessaloniki’s memory and soul.

The Legend of the Whitewashed Tower

According to legend, around 1890, a prisoner was promised freedom if he whitewashed the entire tower. This symbolic act gave birth to its current name — the White Tower — representing purification, transformation, and a new beginning for the city.

From Fortress to Museum

After the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912, the Tower gained new uses — as the city’s air defense headquarters, archaeological storage, and even a meteorology lab.

During World War I, British troops are said to have grown vegetables on its terrace!
Today, it belongs to the Greek Ministry of Culture and houses a modern museum dedicated to the story of Thessaloniki.

Accessibility Tips

• Height: 33.9 m

• Levels: 6 (ground floor + 5 upper floors)

• Steps: 92

• Elevator: None

Access to the top is only via the internal spiral staircase, so visitors with mobility issues may find the climb difficult. The ground floor, however, remains fully accessible and offers engaging exhibits about the Tower’s history.

Inside the Tower – Six Floors of History

Each floor represents a different chapter in Thessaloniki’s story:

• Hellenistic & Roman roots – the city’s foundation and early life

• Byzantine era – spiritual and artistic prosperity

• Ottoman rule – transformation and daily life under the empire

• Modern Thessaloniki – liberation, change, and rebirth

You’ll experience it all through interactive exhibits, multimedia projections, and original artifacts.

The Best View in Thessaloniki

Your climb ends at the battlement terrace, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline, the Thermaic Gulf, and on clear days, even Mount Olympus.

It’s 92 steps, 40 windows, and one unforgettable view — the perfect spot for photos and reflection.

Explore the White Tower with Oh My Guide!

Discover the monument’s secrets who brings the city’s past to life through engaging storytelling and expert knowledge.

Let us guide you through a journey that connects history, memory, and modern Thessaloniki — one step at a time.