Thessalonica’s Byzantine walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can walk along the top of the walls, taking in the panoramic views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf. They may also enjoy amazing sunsets and stunning views of Olympus, the mountain of Gods.

The first fortifications of the newly founded city by Macedonian King, Cassander, which played a significant role in shaping its development, date back to the 3rd century BC. The Roman conquest in 167 BC brought about the Pax Romana, rendering the walls unnecessary, and by the mid-1st century BC, they were already in ruins. In the 3rd century AD, fortifications constructed to protect the city from the Goths, using materials from previous buildings. These fortifications successfully repelled two Gothic attacks in 254 and 268. The Roman wall was single, 1.65 meters wide, with square towers.

The city’s main road extended from the Golden Gate in the west (Vardari Square) to the Gate of Cassander in the east. The southern wall extended slightly south of today’s Tsimiski Street. Thessalonica’s Byzantine walls once spanning approximately 8 kilometers, now measure around 4 kilometers in length. Their original height was between 10 and 12 meters.

 For centuries, these walls encircled the city, including coastal fortifications on the southwestern side facing the Thermaic Gulf, which no longer exist. On the northeastern side, the walls ascend towards the heights, encompassing the acropolis and its defensive complex, the Heptapyrgion. The western and eastern walls feature triangular projections, while the higher sections, particularly where the acropolis meets the city, are adorned with rectangular towers. The construction involves alternating courses of bricks and stones, embellished with Christian crosses and ancient Greek symbols.

Additionally, numerous superimposed brick arches can be found on the western section, along Klaudianou Street. In the early 4th century, Galerius and Constantine the Great visited Thessaloniki and strengthened the walls. At the end of the 4th century, a second wall erected outside the previous one, featuring triangular projections.

Thessalonica’s Byzantine walls that are visible today constructed from the late fourth to the mid-5th century, and a subsequent improvement program implemented in the 7th century under Byzantine Emperor Heraclius to bolster the city’s defense against the Avars and Slavs.

In 904, the Saracens captured the city in a seaborne attack, prompting the reinforcement of the coastal walls after the Saracens’ departure. The Saracens entered the city on the third day of the siege through the vulnerable seaward side. They remained for ten days, engaging in massacres and looting before departing with 22,000 captives.

Today, approximately 50 towers remain. Numerous inscriptions on the walls provide information not only about their history but also about the city’s rich history. Throughout the Byzantine Empire, numerous Emperors, officials and generals reinforced the walls. This attests to the city’s importance and the constant threat of barbarian invasions from both the north and the south. The Normans of Sicily invaded and captured the city in 1185. Archbishop Eustathius has written the full chronicle of events leading to the siege and capture of the city. In 1308, Catalan mercenaries besieged Thessaloniki without success. In 1430, the city fell to the Ottomans, who also contributed to the maintenance and expansion of the walls.

During the Ottoman period, Ottomans built cylindrical towers such as the White Tower on the southeastern end and the Tower of Trigonio (15th century), as well as the polygonal Tower of Top Hane in the southwestern part of the walls. The Theodosian Byzantine walls of Constantinople exhibit a similar architectural style and construction.

In 1874, the sea wall and part of the eastern wall were demolished as they were considered to hinder the city’s development. The Byzantine walls of Thessaloniki are a testament to the city’s rich history and its enduring spirit. They are a reminder of the many civilizations that have shaped this city and of the city’s resilience in the face of adversity.

The Greek army, triumphantly liberated Thessaloniki from Muslim Ottoman domination in 1912, marking a significant turning point in its history. Today, it stands as the second largest city in Greece, a vibrant European metropolis that honors its rich heritage, embraces diversity, and cherishes its time-honored Greek and Christian traditions.

Thessalonica biblical tours

Thessaloniki was another important city for Saint Paul’s missionary journey. He founded two churches here and wrote the two very first epistles to the Thessalonians. Today, visitors may visit the Church of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul’s Cathedral), which built on the site where Saint Paul have preached.

The church is home to a beautiful icon of Saint Paul and a relic of his tomb. Also within walking distance we may visit the Saint Paul chapel and the Holy Spring of Saint Paul. Moni Vlatadon or Vlatadon monastery is another Saint Paul related site and definitely a must visit. The monastery is located on the upper part of the city, just by Thessalonica’s Byzantine Walls, offering the best panoramic views of the city, Thermaikos gulf and mount Olympus.

Thessaloniki biblical tours: private & guided tours

Our biblical private day trips can accommodate your small group in one of our minivans (max 6 guests), or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (max 12 guests). We may start your private tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki hotels and Thessaloniki Port for our guests arriving via cruise ship. We also pick up from the SKG Thessaloniki International Airport or Airbnb Vacation Rental for a small fee. Flexible itinerary with plenty of stops along the way. We may start your tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki hotels or from Thessaloniki Port for our guests from U.S.A, arriving via cruise ship.

Your chauffeur and local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your private driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available licensed tour guides for archaeological sites and museums upon request at an extra cost. Enjoy Thessalonica’s Byzantine walls at your own pace.

Availability & rates

For more info (availability – rates) on our Thessalonica biblical day trips, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113

For more information on Thessaloniki, biblical tours please contact us or simply call Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp & Viber available. In addition, SKG Thessaloniki Airport pickups available upon request at extra cost.