Tower of Vravrona

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Discover the Historic Tower of Vravrona in Attica

The Tower of Vravrona dates back to the Frankish period and stands as one of the most impressive medieval monuments in Attica. It was built during the time when the de la Roche family, Franks of Burgundian origin, ruled the Duchy of Athens — throughout the 13th century until 1308.

The tower formed part of a network of watchtowers (or “fryktories”) scattered across Attica, each positioned within visual contact of the next. This system ensured defensive coordination and early warning in case of enemy attacks. Beyond its military role, the Tower of Vravrona also served as an observation post overseeing local estates and may have been the residence of a local lord.

It is worth noting that under the de la Roche family’s rule, piracy was largely suppressed, restoring safety to the coastal ports that had suffered raids in previous centuries.

Architecture and Description

The stone-built tower is rectangular in shape, measuring 8.5 by 5.5 meters, and rising to a height of 15.5 meters (or 18 meters including the battlements). It consists of three floors and a rooftop terrace. The walls incorporate spolia — stones and inscriptions reused from ancient buildings in the area.

Among the medieval towers of Attica, the Tower of Vravrona is considered the third best-preserved, following the Tower of Oinoe and the Tower of Anthousa on Mount Hymettus. Today, it remains a remarkable historical attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s medieval past.

Location and Access

The Tower of Vravrona stands just before the Sanctuary of Artemis, in an area filled with vineyards, fig trees, and olive groves. Perched atop a small hill, it overlooks Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and the surrounding countryside.

The site lies about 4.5 km from Markopoulo, and while access by car is easy, visitors will need to walk a few hundred meters uphill to reach the tower. The short climb is rewarded with panoramic views and a sense of timeless tranquillity.

Photo: Manolis Chavakis