Byzantine Tower of Saint Basil #1360

Description

Its primary role was likely not to be part of Thessaloniki’s defense system, but rather to secure the supply of fish and agricultural products from the lake and the fertile lands surrounding it.

The tower has dimensions of 10.5 by 10.5 meters and stands about 15 meters high. On each side, there are four external buttresses, measuring 1.0 by 0.4 meters, spaced 2 meters apart. The walls are constructed in pseudo-cloisonné masonry, with bricks horizontally arranged to fill the gaps, bonded with lime mortar. In some areas of the perimeter, timber frames reinforce the walls. The only entrance is located on the eastern side, but for security reasons, it is on the second floor rather than ground level.

The tower has suffered significant damage over time. A large portion of the upper structure had collapsed even before the major earthquake of 1978, which caused further destruction.

Extensive restoration efforts were carried out mainly between 2007 and 2008, including the reconstruction of a large portion of the tower.