Soufflar Tower of Vatopedi Monastery Shareholding #1367

Description

The tower is known as the "Tower of Metochi," named after the nearby building called "Metochi" (meaning monastic dependency), as it was once property of the Vatopedi Monastery of Mount Athos. However, the tower itself is several centuries older than the "Metochi" building.

The exact construction date of the tower is unknown, but based on its architectural resemblance to the Tower of Vasilika, which has more available historical information, it is estimated to have been built in the 16th century (give or take a century). It was likely the center of a tsiflik (large estate) owned by an Ottoman landlord. Despite its current name, the tower was not originally one of the many monastic towers built in Chalkidiki to protect Mount Athos monastery properties, which date back to the 15th century.

In 1907, the Vatopedi Monastery purchased the land, and in 1909, the "Metochi" building was constructed. The tower was not demolished, likely because it remained in usable condition at that time.