Mentioned by the historian Herodotus in the 5th century BC as ‘Siris,’ from the word sirios, meaning sun, the remains of the ancient acropolis and Byzantine tower overlook the modern city of Serres from its northern well-to-do pine-clad Koulas district. The Byzantine stronghold rose from the ruins of the ancient fortress built to defend the ancient city in 6th to 7th century BC. The city took its name from this later ‘castle,’ ‘Kastrini,’ while under Turkish occupation it was called ‘Bas Koule’ (top tower). The present name of the hill above the modern city, ‘Koulas’ is derived from that name.
