Hotels near White Tower

The Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower) is Thessaloniki's symbol - a 34-metre cylindrical Ottoman fortress on the seafront, originally built in the 15th century as part of the city walls. The tower was painted white in 1890 to atone for its grim history as the Ottoman 'Tower of Blood' (the site of the 1826 massacre of Janissaries). Today it houses a 6-floor museum on Thessaloniki's history from the 4th century BC to the present.

Entry is EUR 6. The 92-step spiral staircase climbs to a rooftop terrace with the city's best panoramic view - over the Thermaic Gulf, Mount Olympus on a clear day, and across to Ano Poli. Closed Tuesdays. Allow 60-90 minutes. The audio guide (free with entry) is excellent.

Pro Tip: Visit 60-90 minutes before sunset for the rooftop view of the Thermaic Gulf turning orange. Combine with a walk along the Nea Paralia seafront promenade (3.5 km, ending at the Megaron concert hall) for an evening stroll.