In the heart of Thessaloniki’s International Fairgrounds, a tall, elegant structure rises above the city’s rhythm. The OTE Tower has stood there for over half a century, watching the city grow, change, and glow. It is one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of progress, innovation, and timeless design.
The story of the OTE Tower began in the late 1960s. Designed by architect Alexandros Anastasiadis, the tower was envisioned as a bold statement of modern Greece. Standing 76 meters high, it was the country’s only telecommunications tower and a showcase of architectural ambition.
The construction was completed in two phases. The first, in 1969, included the foundations, basement, and first floor, which debuted as the OTE Pavilion during the 34th Thessaloniki International Fair that September. One year later, in 1970, the second phase was completed, giving the tower its final form for the 35th Fair.
Source: Domotechniki S.A.
Soon after its completion, the OTE Tower became part of Greek television history. The first black-and-white broadcasts of the Hellenic State Television were transmitted from this very building, marking a milestone moment in communication. For years, the tower also hosted OTE’s exhibition pavilion during the annual fair and even served as a base for a local radio station.
Source: Domotechniki S.A.
What makes the OTE Tower truly unique is its rotating top floor, the only one of its kind in Greece. Many locals once believed the rotation had stopped after a mechanical issue in 1988 temporarily halted its movement. But the tower’s rotation was restored, and today it continues to turn smoothly, completing a full 360-degree rotation every 60 minutes.
This ingenious mechanism, created by the Rohr engineering house, was a technical marvel of its time. As it slowly spins, visitors can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Thessaloniki. The White Tower, the Rotunda, the Eptapyrgio fortress, the Archaeological Museum, and the distant silhouettes of Mount Olympus and Mount Chortiatis all come into view. Below, the Thermaic Gulf glows at sunset with colors that turn every visit into a cinematic moment.
Photo: @teo13g
Photo: @teo13g
In 2025, the OTE Tower entered a new chapter with a major renovation. Its exterior was freshly painted, and modern lighting was added, transforming the tower into a radiant presence at night. The renewal celebrated the tower’s original futuristic design while bringing it fully into the present day.
Inside, the Skyline Café-Bar continues the story. Located at the top, it welcomes visitors to enjoy a coffee, drink, or meal while slowly gliding above the city. Each visit offers a new perspective and a new appreciation for Thessaloniki’s layered beauty.
The OTE Tower is more than a building. It is a piece of Thessaloniki’s soul, a bridge between past and future, between engineering and imagination. From the first television broadcasts to today’s dazzling skyline, it continues to turn, quietly reminding everyone that innovation never stands still.
Source: Skyline Cafe Bar
Source: Skyline Cafe Bar
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