Fortress of Vardari, Historic fortress in the city center of Thessaloniki, Greece
The Fortress of Vardari, also known as Top Hane, is a historic structure on the west side of Thessaloniki's city center, in Greece. It has an elliptical layout with thick stone walls, an octagonal corner tower, and a 9th-century Byzantine tower called Anaglyphos.
The fortress dates back to Byzantine times, when its walls were built to guard the port of Thessaloniki. Under Ottoman rule, the walls were widened, an embankment was added, and gunpowder storage spaces were built, which explains the different phases of construction still visible today.
The fortress is within walking distance of Thessaloniki's city center and easy to reach on foot. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and exploring the old walls and towers involves some climbing.
The Anaglyphos Tower takes its name from a carved relief on its wall featuring motifs from ancient Greek art, which can still be seen today. Inside the tower, marble inscriptions record the names of Ottoman officials who were responsible for maintaining the fortress.
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