The Western Walls have been closely connected to the history of the city, as they present evident relics of different historical periods, cultures and religions. Pacing along them, step by step, we will have the opportunity to discover the individual sections of the walls – to detect the parts of a preserved tower and to encounter two significant gates, which were built at strategic locations – main lines to the city’s axis etc. – but furthermore, we will notice how they coexist with the remaining refugee homes, built beside them and their connection with other monuments of Byzantine architecture, such as the churches of St. Catherine and Holy Apostles. The route reflects a flashback through time and the history of the city’s everyday life and architectural evolution, which unfolds along with the Walls.

The purpose of this route is for the visitors to familiarise with the fortification-delimitation in the West side of the city, the way it was constructed from the Roman Era up to this day, as well as to trace the surrounding area of the walls. Simultaneously, everyone will acknowledge the placement of the Western Walls within the contemporary urban network and their relevance to modern toponyms; where was the begging and the final point of the city’s fortification, which parts of our everyday strolls through the city were once located inside or outside of the Walls.

DATES
18 & 19 November 2023

STARTING TIMES
11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00

DURATION
approximately 2,5 hours

STARTING POINT
intersection of Evrou & Akrita St, Western Walls

ENDING POINT
Vardari Fortress

DISTANCE
3,2 km

* There is no access for people with disabilities.

photo: OHT file, Rallis Tsolakidis (top view)