Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki — Attraction in Municipality of Thessaloniki

Situated near Agora, the old medieval fortress, Eptapyrgion means the Fortress of the Seven Towers, as seen in the mock-up photo. Haven, defense fortress, garrison headquarters, prison until 1989, these were her destinations in the past. Its construction is not precisely dated, differing between the years 300s and the 9th century. What is certain is that it was an important point of the fortifications of the city during the Byzantine period, and above the entrance is recorded the year 1431 as the year when it was captured by the Turks. All the vicissitudes of history have added the destruction caused by the earthquake of 1978. It is allowed to visit inside, but only certain pavilions. Situată lângă Agora orașului, vechea cetate medievală, Eptapyrgion înseamnă Cetatea celor șapte turnuri, așa cum se vede și în fotografia machetei. Loc de refugiu, cetate de apărare, sediu de garnizoană, pușcărie până în 1989, acestea au fost destinațiile ei în trecut. Construcția ei nu este precis datată, diferind între anii 300 și secolul al IX-lea. Ce este sigur este faptul că era un punct important al fortificațiilor orașului în perioada bizantină, iar deasupra intrării este consemnat anul 1431 ca fiind anul când a fost capturată de turci. La toate vicisitudinile istoriei s-au adăugat și distrugerile provocate de cutremurul din 1978. Este permisă și vizitarea la interior, dar numai...

These massive Byzantine walls were never breached. In the 1800 years of Hellenistic and Byzantine Thessaloniki, the fortifications of the city withstood the Celts (279 BC), the Heruli (268 AD), the Goths (370 AD), the Huns (441 AD), the Avars and the Slavs (multiple raids and attacks in the 6th and the 7th centuries AD), the Bulgars (9th and 10th century). The lower levels of the city were overtaken -and this was due to severe neglect by the city officials- only by the Saracens in 904, the Normans in 1185, and the Turks in 1430. Up here, on the Acropolis (the citadel), the walls were never beaten. The massive towers supporting the high curtain walls in dense formation over an initial array of walls and towers on the north side provide an overwhelming defensive arrangement that resembles somewhat the walls of Constantinople. In more recent times, these characteristics were not left unnoticed. Authorities saw the advantages of the ancient constructs and put them to use as a high security...prison. This, though unbecoming, may have helped in salvaging the site, and thus, it remains in excellent condition. No remains of the Hellenistic acropolis are visible, as they have been fully encased within the spectacular Byzantine walls. Only the gatehouse has some Turkish additions, built in 1431. Visit, enjoy the antiquities...

I absolutely loved my visit to the Heptapyrgion Fortress (Yedi Kule) in Thessaloniki—it truly deserves a 5‑star rating. Perched on the Acropolis hill in Ano Poli, this centuries-old fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Thermaic Gulf.

Exploring the thick Byzantine‑era walls and ten towers, I felt connected to Thessaloniki’s rich history—from ancient fortifications to Ottoman times and its later use as a prison until 1989. Walking through the old cells and ramparts, there was a real sense of historical weight—but also an inspiring contrast when stepping out and soaking in the vast cityscape below.

The site is well-preserved and thoughtfully maintained by the Ministry of Culture and local archaeological authorities. I was pleasantly surprised by occasional cultural events held inside, like small art exhibits or performances during the Heptapyrgion Festival in summer.

A few practical tips: aim to arrive early or take a taxi up—the climb from the city center is rewarding but steep. Also, bring water and sturdy shoes, especially if you’re up there around sunset—that view is absolutely magical.

All in all, my visit to the Heptapyrgion was unforgettable. It’s a perfect mix of dramatic history, architecture, and breathtaking vistas—a must-see highlight in...