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One of the most beautiful parts of Thessaloniki lies in the city’s Upper Town (Ano Poli), which is the oldest surviving part of Thessaloniki. It served as the Turkish quarter during Ottoman times while the Greeks and Jews lived near the port.

 

Historic Buildings

While wandering through the winding streets I found a lot of historic Ottoman homes and buildings and lots of traditional tavernas, especially around the old walls of the acropolis of Thessaloniki. The walls are part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, Greece
A narrow street in Upper Town
Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, Greece
Ottoman homes
Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, Greece
Upper Town
Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, Greece
Ottoman homes

 

Eptapyrgio

The intimidating Eptapyrgio sits at the very top of the hill overlooking the city. The Byzantines built a fortress on the spot that was later used by the Ottomans. It was converted into a prison in 1890 and remained one until 1989.

Eptapyrgion in Thessaloniki, Greece
Eptapyrgio

Many famous rebetika songs were written about the prison, and they mention it by it’s Turkish name, Yedi Kule (Γεντί Κουλέ). Its name in both Greek and Turkish means Seven Towers although it features 10 towers. It was probably named after Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul.

Eptapyrgion in Thessaloniki, Greece
Entrance to Eptapyrgion

Eptapyrgio had just closed a few minutes before I arrived, so I walked around the perimeter to get a good look at it. I’ll visit on a future trip.

Eptapyrgion in Thessaloniki, Greece
Walls of Eptapyrgio
Eptapyrgion in Thessaloniki, Greece
Eptapyrgio
Eptapyrgion in Thessaloniki, Greece
Eptapyrgio
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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