Byzantine City Walls and Trigonion Tower

The Byzantine City Walls of Thessaloniki run along the northern edge of the Ano Poli quarter in northern Greece, near Eleftheriou Venizelou and Eptapyrgiou streets, and form one of the best preserved stretches of the city's historic fortifications. The walls were first raised in the late 4th century and repeatedly strengthened over the Byzantine centuries, and long sections still climb the hillside. The Trigonion Tower, a triangular bastion at the north-eastern corner of the circuit, is the best-known landmark of the walls and a reference point for the upper town. Visitors can follow the walls on foot and observe the mix of brick and stone courses, battlements and later repairs that show the many phases of construction. The walls themselves are open-air and accessible at all times at no charge. The Trigonion Tower can be visited on Fridays by appointment only, by calling +30 2313 310400, with tickets listed at EUR 5 (about USD 5.75) and EUR 3 (about USD 3.45) reduced. A typical visit lasts about an hour, including the walk up through Ano Poli. The reward is a panoramic view over the tiled rooftops of the old town, the city centre and the Thermaic Gulf, which is at its best in late afternoon light. The approach is steep, so many visitors take a taxi to the upper area and walk down. Crowds are small throughout the year, and the walls feel quiet compared with the centre. The adjoining Heptapyrgion fortress lies close by and can be paired with the walls for a fuller picture of the defences. Sturdy shoes are recommended, since paths along the walls are uneven and sometimes exposed.