The white tower is not just the symbol of Thessaloniki, but the Macedonian independence. It was constructed by Turks in 1430 by the order of Murad II for the fort defense. For a long time, it was part of a city wall and protected the eastern side of the city. Historians assume that later it was functioning as a prison. From this moment people named it Tower of Blood, because most of its prisoners were sentenced to death. According to the historic documents, some of them were tortured, that is why the prisoners jumped out of the windows to stop the torments. 

To the 20th century, it was decided to color the walls in white. The government tried to change the negative perception of the tower. Now the color is particularly washed off, but it is still called White by citizens. 

Today the tower has a museum with some permanent exhibitions, dedicating to the development and life of a city in medieval times. The unique household items, tissues, painted manually, tableware – all of it is kept in the multiple rooms of the tower. 

The staircase, leading to the top, twists inside the tower. Previously functioning as places for prisoners, the small rooms are equipped with TVs with historic films about Greece and contain different household items. The loopholes are today used as panoramic windows. Nevertheless, the low arches inside the tower and the stoned walls create a depressing atmosphere, reminding of tortures happening inside the building for a long time. Just on the top of the tower, on a viewpoint, the ambiance changes and you can see nature's beauty. The view is gorgeous! All the coast of Thessaloniki is visible, the sea is merging with the sky, and the horizon is blurring…