The castles and the walls of Thessaloniki were created in ancient times, as it was necessary to fortify the city. It is believed that they date back to the founding of the city.
The Acropolis of Thessaloniki was erected in ancient times on the city’s highest point. It was the second tier fortification and was meant to offer shelter to the city population in case of raids. There, the castles were tall, the towers thick and where the ground allowed it, there were ramparts. Situated on the north-eastern corner of the acropolis and overlooking the city, is the Eptapyrgio, the third tier fortification, the last and strongest fort, with its strong walls and seven towers.
Of the seven towers in the fortress, the middle one that flanks the entrance was constructed in 1431. Until 1989, Eptapyrgio was used as a prison. In recent years, the fortress underwent many repairs, restorations and changes, while new spaces were created for museums and other cultural events.