The new lighting for the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmark, was unveiled by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis, and representatives from the political sphere and local government. The new lighting installation highlights the monument’s architectural value and its location on the city’s waterfront, while respecting its historical character.

The project was carried out with a donation from METLEN, which covers the entire cost of the project. As part of the same donation, lighting projects are also planned for the Heptapyrgion, sections of the northwestern and eastern sections of the Byzantine Walls, and the intermediate wall of the Acropolis.

The New Lighting for the White Tower

The lighting design was developed by Eleftheria Deko’s firm, with the aim of highlighting the monument’s volume, geometry, and architectural features without altering its historical character.

The design highlights the three-dimensional texture of the stonework and ensures a clear view from different distances and vantage points. At the same time, the directed beam of light limits light spill into the surrounding area and light pollution. For the upper section of the monument, various dynamic lighting scenarios are planned for special occasions, while respecting its aesthetics and historical character.

As part of the METLEN donation, the lighting interventions extend to the Heptapyrgion, sections of the northwestern and eastern wings of the Byzantine Walls, and the intermediate wall of the Acropolis. The work is scheduled to be completed in January 2027.

At the same time, on October 15, 2026, the project “Lighting to Highlight Monuments Near the Egnatia Highway Corridor, Municipality of Thessaloniki” began, with funding from the NSRF Program “Central Macedonia 2021–2027” and a feasibility study funded by the Municipality of Thessaloniki. The project includes the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius, the Bey Hamam, Panagia Chalkeon, the Church of the Holy Apostles, and a section of the eastern walls, with completion scheduled for March 6, 2028.

These interventions are part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader plan to protect and highlight Thessaloniki’s monuments, thereby strengthening the cohesion of its historic landscape.