Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled the new lighting of the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most recognisable landmark, in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis and representatives of political life and local government.
The new lighting highlights the monument’s architectural value and its position on the city’s waterfront, while respecting its historic character.
The project was carried out with a donation from METLEN, which covers the entire project.
The same donation also provides for lighting work at Eptapyrgio, on sections of the north-western and eastern stretches of the Byzantine Walls, and on the intermediate wall of the Acropolis.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his address:
“Since 2019, we have made a deliberate policy choice: to highlight Thessaloniki’s rich cultural history through the ages with major projects worth more than €100 million in national and European funding in the city alone.
And the results of this policy are already visible. I would say that the Thessaloniki Metro, and in particular the Agia Sophia and Eleftherios Venizelos stations, are the best proof that complex engineering projects can be delivered while also showcasing this unique and exceptionally rich cultural heritage.
The White Tower will stand long after we leave office. It will stand proudly not only by day, but now at night too, illuminated as it deserves to be, radiating optimism and confidence in every direction. Congratulations on the new project”.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said:
“The White Tower, linked to the fortifications and maritime character of Thessaloniki, the co-capital of the Byzantine Empire, is a landmark in collective memory and in the everyday lives of Thessaloniki’s residents.
The new lighting brings its presence on the waterfront into sharper focus and offers a new viewing experience. That is precisely our aim: to bring monuments closer to people, integrating them organically into the life of the modern city while respecting their character and giving them a contemporary aesthetic.
Today’s unveiling is part of a broad, coherent programme of cultural investment that is transforming Thessaloniki’s image. The highlighting of the White Tower is linked to a wider plan that will give us a fuller understanding of the continuity of the city’s fortifications and their historic role.
A €2,500,000 donation from METLEN is funding new lighting for Thessaloniki’s Byzantine fortifications and the White Tower. The donation covers the entire project: the studies, the supply of lighting fixtures, the electrical installations and the lighting management system.
The project complements the major restoration work being carried out by the Ministry of Culture on Thessaloniki’s walls. I warmly thank METLEN, and personally Evangelos Mytilineos, for his generous contribution and his continued willingness to support the Ministry of Culture’s work”.
METLEN Executive Chairman Evangelos Mytilineos spoke about the company’s social responsibility and longstanding contribution to culture, saying:
“A major company is judged not only by its financial results, investments or international presence. It is also judged by the mark it leaves on society. By whether it gives value back to the place where it was founded and grew.
By whether it takes on the responsibility that matches its size and capabilities. By whether it opens paths that others can follow. This sense of responsibility has consistently defined our relationship with Greek society.
A relationship expressed through investments, infrastructure and initiatives that belong to everyone and are intended to endure. I would like to warmly thank the Ministry of Culture, and personally Minister Lina Mendoni, for her vision, initiative and steadfast commitment to highlighting and protecting our cultural heritage, as well as for creating the conditions that make it possible for the state and the business community to work together to achieve goals of lasting value to society”.
The White Tower’s new lighting
The lighting plan was drawn up by Eleftheria Deko’s studio, with the aim of highlighting the monument’s scale, geometry and architectural features without altering its historic character.
The design brings out the three-dimensional texture of the stonework and ensures clear views from a range of distances and vantage points.
The directed beam of light also limits spill into the surrounding area and reduces light pollution.
Different dynamic lighting schemes are planned for the monument’s upper section on special occasions, while respecting its aesthetic and historic character.
Under METLEN’s donation, lighting work is also planned at Eptapyrgio, on sections of the north-western and eastern stretches of the Byzantine Walls, and on the intermediate wall of the Acropolis.
The related work is expected to be completed in January 2027.
Meanwhile, work began on 15 October 2026 on the project “Lighting to enhance monuments near the Egnatia Road corridor, Municipality of Thessaloniki”, funded by the NSRF programme “Central Macedonia 2021-2027” and based on a study funded by the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
The project covers the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius, Bey Hamam, Panagia Chalkeon, the Church of the Holy Apostles and part of the eastern walls. It is expected to be completed on 6 March 2028.
The projects form part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader plan to protect and highlight Thessaloniki’s monuments, strengthening the coherence of its historic landscape.