Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki

Fantastic - certainly worth the visit. We decided to walk up from the city center (up-hill and took about 45 minutes) but was definitely worth the effort. It is an old Bizantin Fortress from the medieval times; then transformed into a prison; and now a museum! It was a great place to learn about the history of Thessaloniki over the different eras. The exhibitions were quite interesting, and we had a good time exploring. And the panorama views from the walls are amazing.

The giant that glances over the city and protects it, a Byzantine and Ottoman era fortress that dates back to late Antiquity! It offers some of the best views of the city from up there, plus the walls and towers look like they are in perfect shape! We loved exploring and experiencing what such an old and imposing fortress can offer, and you should do it too! 😄

Along the ancient city walls in Thessaloniki’s Ano Poli district, you can spot small private houses known as Kastroplikta, built mostly by refugees who arrived after 1922. Many of these humble homes were constructed directly against the wall — some even using it as part of their structure. Today, around 150 of them remain, some still inhabited, others abandoned or in ruins. Many are now under preservation or restoration efforts, serving as quiet, living witnesses to the city’s layered history and the resilience of those who once built their lives in their shadow.

A historic fort. We arrived at 6:30 pm on October 1st, 2025 and found the entrance closed. The entrance fee was 10 euros. Given the pictures we saw on Google Maps, we didn’t seem to miss much by paying 10 euros to go inside. So, we took some pictures from the outside and walked to the Triangle towers.

Layers and layers of history in this place. A prison until 1989, impressive views of the city as it is hign up the hills. It is a must see site whilen in this city. Walking downhill the area has several cafes and some shops as well.

The shortest hop on hop off bus tour we've ever done. Nice view over the city. Strangely the restaurants/cafes near the castle only open at 5pm, but the last bus down the hill leaves at 6pm. The Catholic Church half way up (down in our case as we walked) is worth a visit. €32 for the short bus ride, plus €20, entrance fee to the ruins, for two is a tad expensive for what it is. Not something we'd do again, but if we did .. bus Nr 23. from town is only a couple of euros and stops by the castle walls. The bus stop is at El.Venicelou Rd, adjacent to the Holocaust museum. You will need tickets, there is a ticket counter on the corner. The bus drivers do not sell tickets. The stroll back down takes around 30 min. There are lots of bakery stores/cafes on the way down for lunch.

Heptapyrgion is impressively well-preserved and offers some of the best panoramic views of Thessaloniki from its fortress walls. The site is also home to many plump, friendly cats, which adds to its charm.

Very neat area and location with ability to walk all around outside - the catch is to inside one must pay €10, which is a bit steep to walk around a run down fortress. It is impressive from the outside, but the grounds haven’t been kept up. Great place for a picnic or a break, and easy to get to using the city bus. Not sure if it is worth the price to pay to go inside.