Tower of Avlonari

Μετάφραση Greek Version

Discover the Tower of Avlonari – A Medieval Landmark in Evia

The Avlonari Tower is one of the best-preserved and most impressive medieval towers in Evia. It stands at the highest point of the village of Avlonari, next to the Church of Agios Nikolaos, and is one of the area's most recognizable landmarks.

The tower was probably built in the late 14th or early 15th century, during the period of Venetian rule in Evia. After the Ottomans captured Avlonari in 1470, the tower is believed to have been used as the residence of an Ottoman Aga. Following Greek independence, a group of Bavarian soldiers occupied the building and carried out repairs. After their departure, it was later used as the town hall of the former Municipality of Distia.

Standing approximately 19 metres high, the tower has four floors and was designed with defence in mind. Its entrance is located on the southern side, at first-floor level, making access more difficult for potential attackers. Windows are found mainly on the middle and upper sections, while the lower part originally had only small openings used for firearms.

The tower was restored and conserved in 1953 and remains an important landmark of Avlonari. Its tall, narrow form and defensive features make it a particularly interesting example of the medieval towers of Evia and the island's fortified architecture.

 

Visiting Avlonari Tower

The tower is located within the village of Avlonari and can easily be included in a walk around the settlement. Its location next to the Church of Agios Nikolaos also makes it easy to combine the visit with other points of interest in the village.

Even if you are mainly travelling around Evia for its landscapes and traditional villages, the Avlonari Tower is worth a short stop for its historical importance and distinctive architecture. Its prominent position on the hill also makes it an unmistakable landmark as you approach the village.

For travellers interested in medieval history, fortifications and historic monuments, Avlonari Tower offers an opportunity to discover a lesser-known part of Evia's past and see one of the island's surviving examples of defensive architecture.