Eptapyrgio (Seven towers) was build during Byzantine era, and it was the last point of defence, inside Thessaloniki’s Acropolis.

The Ottomans re-enforced the towers, and the complex was renamed in Yedi Koule, which also means “seven towers”.

Around 1890 the Ottomans added new buildings and started to use Yedi Koule as a prison. Since then Yedi Koule stands as silent witness of cruel stories, tortures and tragic historical facts:

The high, thick walls, the excellent fortification and terrible imprisoning conditions made it the toughest prison in Greece by far.

During the years of junta (1967 – 1974) thousands were imprisoned as “political prisoners” and dozens were executed inside the “Yedi”.

Many songs were written about this historical prison, and until today people in Thessaloniki use the name Yedi Koule when they refer to the prison, while the use Eptapirgio when they refer to the castle or the area.

The prison closed in 1989, and today after the restoration works, this unique monument is open to the public.