Out of Class Activities: Discovering Greek History in Thessaloniki

Experiencing History in Thessaloniki: Our School’s Visit to the Castles and Yedi Kule

Learning Greek goes beyond the classroom! Our students recently enjoyed a fascinating cultural walk through Thessaloniki’s Byzantine Walls and the historic Yedi Kule (Heptapyrgion) fortress. Situated at the highest point of Ano Poli, these landmarks offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city while revealing centuries of Greek history.

The Byzantine Walls

The Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki were originally constructed in the late 4th century during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I to protect one of the Byzantine Empire’s most important cities. For centuries, these impressive fortifications defended Thessaloniki against numerous invasions and played a vital role in the city’s history.

Yedi Kule (Heptapyrgion)

Our walk continued to Yedi Kule, also known as the Heptapyrgion, a fortress with seven distinctive towers. Built during the Byzantine period and later expanded under Ottoman rule, it eventually became one of Greece’s most well-known state prisons, operating until 1989. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s rich and often complex past.

A Journey Through History

Today, Yedi Kule is an important cultural monument and open-air museum. As our students explored its historic walls, prison cells, and exhibitions, they gained valuable insight into Thessaloniki’s fascinating history while practicing Greek in an authentic setting.

Our out-of-class activities are designed to combine language learning with cultural immersion, helping students discover Greece through memorable real-life experiences. Every walk, museum visit, and historical site becomes another opportunity to improve Greek while exploring the country’s remarkable heritage.

Learning Greek Through Culture

Visiting historical sites like the Byzantine Walls and Yedi Kule allows our students to experience the Greek language in its natural environment. During the excursion, they learned new vocabulary related to history, architecture, and everyday life while interacting with their teachers and classmates. These cultural activities make learning more engaging, helping students improve their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of Greece’s rich cultural heritage. Every visit creates lasting memories and brings the Greek language to life beyond the classroom.