The new lighting of the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most recognisable landmark, was unveiled by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Mayor of Thessaloniki Stelios Angeloudis, and representatives of political life and local government. The new lighting scheme highlights the monument’s architectural value and its position on the city’s waterfront, while respecting its historical character.
The project was implemented through a donation from METLEN, covering the entire lighting scheme. The same donation also provides for lighting interventions at the Heptapyrgion, sections of the north-western and eastern stretches of the Byzantine Walls, and the intermediate wall of the Acropolis.
In his address, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised: “Since 2019, we have made a deliberate policy choice: to highlight Thessaloniki’s exceptionally rich cultural journey through time, through major interventions which, for Thessaloniki alone, exceed €100 million in national and European funding.
And, of course, the results of this policy are already visible. I would say that the Thessaloniki Metro, particularly Agia Sofia station and Eleftherios Venizelos station, is the best proof that complex engineering projects can be delivered while also showcasing this unique and exceptionally rich cultural heritage. This monument, the White Tower, will stand long after we have left office, but it will stand proud not only by day, but now by night as well, illuminated as it deserves, sending the light of optimism and confidence in every direction. May this new project be a lasting success.”
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: “The White Tower, linked to the fortifications and maritime character of the city once known as the ‘co-capital’, is a point of reference in the collective memory and daily lives of the people of Thessaloniki. With the new lighting, its presence on the waterfront is enhanced and becomes more clearly defined, offering a new viewing experience. This is precisely our aim: to bring monuments closer to people, integrating them organically into the life of the modern city with respect for their character, but also with a contemporary aesthetic. Today’s unveiling forms part of a broad, coherent programme of cultural investment that is transforming Thessaloniki’s appearance. Enhancing the White Tower is linked to a wider plan that enables us to understand more fully the continuity of the fortification complex and its historical role. Through METLEN’s sponsorship of €2,500,000, the new lighting of Thessaloniki’s Byzantine fortifications and the White Tower is being implemented. The donation covers the entire intervention – the design 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 Vangelis Mytilineos for his generous contribution and his consistently positive willingness to support the work of the Ministry of Culture.”
METLEN’s Executive Chairman, Evangelos Mytilineos, referred to the company’s social responsibility and its longstanding contribution to culture, noting:
“A large company is not judged solely by its financial results, its investments or its international presence. It is also judged by the impact it leaves on society. By whether it gives value back to the place where it was founded and grew. By whether it assumes the responsibility that corresponds to its size and capabilities. By whether it opens paths that others can follow. This sense of responsibility has consistently characterised our relationship with Greek society. A relationship expressed through investments, infrastructure and initiatives that belong to everyone and are intended to last. I would like to warmly thank the Ministry of Culture and personally the Minister, Ms Lina Mendoni, for her vision, her initiative and her unwavering commitment to showcasing and protecting our cultural heritage, as well as for creating the conditions that enable the State and the business community to work together towards goals of lasting value to society.”
The White Tower’s new lighting
The lighting design was developed by Eleftheria Deko’s studio, 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 clearly defined view from different distances and viewpoints. At the same time, the directed light beam limits light spill into the surrounding environment and reduces light pollution. Different dynamic lighting scenarios are planned for the upper section of the monument on special occasions, with respect for its aesthetic and historical character.
As part of METLEN’s donation, the lighting interventions extend to the Heptapyrgion, sections of the north-western and eastern stretches of the Byzantine Walls, and the intermediate wall of the Acropolis. The associated works are expected to be completed in January 2027.
In parallel, on 15 October 2026, work began on the project “Lighting to highlight monuments near the Egnatia Street axis, Municipality of Thessaloniki”, funded by the NSRF Programme “Central Macedonia 2021–2027”, with a design study financed by the Municipality of Thessaloniki. The project includes the Rotonda, the Arch of Galerius, Bey Hamam, Panagia Chalkeon, the Church of the Holy Apostles and a section of the eastern walls, with completion scheduled for 6 March 2028.
The interventions form part of the Ministry of Culture’s wider plan to protect and showcase Thessaloniki’s monuments, strengthening the coherence of its historic landscape.
