Discovering the fortress of Trikala and its clock
The fortress of Trikala was constructed by Justinian the 1st in the 6th century where the ruins of the citadel of ancient Trikke used to lay. During the fall of the city by the Ottomans, some parts of the castle were destroyed although they soon discovered that it could play a great strategic role therefore they preserved what we can still see nowadays. The castle was, by all means, an important safety factor for the development of the whole settlement.
On the eastern side of the fortress, the Turks further constructed a large clock in the mid 17th century. Its bell weighed 650 Kg. and was bearing an inscription in Turkish. It was in 1936 that the mayor of Trikala, T. Theodosopoulos constructed another clock of 33 meters in height which replaced the existing. Unfortunately it was bombarded by German planes in 1941 but again replaced by the one we admire today.
The Fortress nowadays hosts the outdoor theater of the city where each summer visitors may enjoy a variety of theatrical performances. Most visitors also visit the Clock Tower which offers a spectacular view of the entire city and large parts of the Thessalic plains from its top. All you have to do is to climb a few stairs which will most certainly reward you for you effort.
The best time to visit the fortress and its clock within the day is at sunset. Have a seat at the stairs and enjoy the majestic nature that surrounds it.
The Byzantine Castle of Trikala is open to the public on a daily basis from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm except from Mondays.
Source : trikalacity.gr
