The white tower of Thessaloniki 🇬🇷

#voyagevibes Thessaloniki's iconic landmark, the 34m-high White Tower has a harrowing history as a prison and place of execution. Built by the Ottomans in the 15th century, it was here in 1826 that Sultan Mahmud II massacred the garrison of rebellious janissaries (forcibly Islamicised elite troops). One story goes that the structure was known as the Tower of Blood until a prisoner painted the tower white in exchange for his liberty in 1883, when it was renamed Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower). The White Tower has played an important role in the city's air defense during the two World Wars and has hosted the University of Thessaloniki meteorology laboratory and, until 1983, the Sea Cadets. King George, I of Greece was murdered a few meters away from the White Tower in 1913. In 1985, the Tower was restored and today the Byzantine Museum of Thessaloniki is being housed there, whose collection includes pieces of sculpture and pottery, fragments of mosaic floors, orthodox icons, Byzantine coins, wall paintings, and inscriptions, among others. The Museum frequently organizes exhibitions about the history of the city along centuries. It has six floors that connect to each other with stairs. The last floor has a terrace that offers a wonderful view of the town. 💰Average Price per Person: €6 from 1st April to 31st November; €3 from 1st November to 31st March. #sunset #historicallandmarks #europa #localguides #greece #thessaloniki