Tower of the Winds

Octagonal Pentelic Marble Clocktower

Overlooking the Roman Agora is a 12 meter (39 ft) high octagonal tower, known as the “Tower of the Winds”. The name of the tower is taken from the winged figures that you can see carved onto each face of the tower.

The eight sides of the tower each have a carved figure representing the eight winds. These are as follows; The North side depicting Boreas blowing into a seashell. North-West shows Skiron holding a charcoal vessel. West depicting Zephyros casting flowers from his lap. South-West showing Lips, blowing to speed up the journey of a ship. South depicting Notos, holding an urn upside down creating a shower.

South-East shows Euros citing a hurricane. East illustrating Apiliotis carrying wheat and fruits. North-East showing Kaikias emptying a shield that is full of hailstones. On top of the tower was a weather vane that showed the direction of the wind.

The detail and beauty of these carvings make a visit to this site worthwhile. The tower also housed a water-clock, which was used by the people frequenting the forum place. There were also sundials placed around the outer walls for those who did not trust the water-clock.

Turkish occupation of the city meant that the building was used for religious ceremonies, where the chanting and music was often done to the extreme to install terror and fear into the Orthodox people of the city. After the withdrawal of the Turks, the tower was converted into a Catholic Church.

Map of the Tower of the Winds

Below you will find a map which shows the location of the Tower of the Winds in Athens. Click on the map image below to load the Google map.