The Prosforiou Tower

Since 1018 AD the tower was belonging to the metohi of Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, named Prosforio. On the east side and attached to the tower, is the barbakas, ie the fortress, belonging to the era of the early Ottoman Rule. At its northwest side is the arsanas (port warehouse) of the tower, built in 1865. At this point there was a dock, which was destroyed. At the semi-basement of arsanas was kept the boat of the metohi, and in the semi upper floor were the warehouses. The upper floor was resided.

The tower existed since 1344, but it was probably an older one. It was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1585 and later repaired. Probably burned in 1821, after the suppression of Halkidiki’s revolution, but in 1858 it was again repaired with extensive repairs, which gave the tower its current form. Nowadays it has been fully restored from the 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and operates as a museum.

The wooden interior of the tower and its roof were built in the 19th century. There were other buildings –warehouses, barns, olive mills, wells- but now there is only the “halkadio” and the “kolligadiko”, located a little farther. In 1924, after the exchange of populations, the tower was settled by the refugees from Minor Asia, and founded Ouranoupoli. During the same period came the Loch couple- Joice and Sydney, of English and Australian origin, as members of humanitarian organisations, so as to provide assistance to the refugees of the First World War. Living in the tower, they offered a substantial assistance to the refugees from Minor Asia and later to the earthquakes victims of 1932. For more than 50 years (Sydney died in 1954 and Joice in 1982) offered great social contribution to the residents of Ouranoupoli. They wrote books and took care of the tower. Joice revived the premises of the Tower by teaching the weaving art to women, making handmade carpets, offering this way to the financial situation of the village.

Nowadays at the tower’s floors are exhibited lots of artifacts coming from the antiquity of Athos area, Ierissos, Varvara, Megali Panagia, Paleochori, and Sidirokafsia. Exhibits of major importance aree the two bronze helmets, of Corinthian type (6th century), and lots of jewels found in ancient Acanthus, Paleokastro, and Megali Panagia. Therefore, visiting the magnificent Tower is essential. Its every window and every balcony give an exceptional view of the surroundings, where the blue of the sea and the mountainous green dominates all over.

D. Stilianidou-Philologist

neikoptelema.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-post_1203.html

Open from 10:00am until 14:00 pm

Entrance : 2€

+30 2377071651, +30 2310285163