Galata Tower

The Galata Tower, with its witch's hat-shaped top roof, is one of the most impressive and famous landmarks in Istanbul. Dating from the 14th century, the tower is an ancient Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful city of Istanbul with its huge conical structure, built at approximately 38 meters above sea level and up to a height of 62 meters plus its base. From the top of the tower, guests can enjoy great views of the Historic Peninsula, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus all the way to the Prince's Islands.

As one of the most impressive towers in the world, what makes the tower so famous?

• It was first built in 528 during the Byzantium era.
• The current tower was built in 1348, by the Genoese and named the Tower of Christ.
• During the Ottoman period; The tower was used as a prison (16th century), then as a residence for the Ottoman military band (18th century) and fire tower (19th century).
• Witness the unique event that; Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi tried to fly from the top of the tower (European side) to the shores of Uskudar (Asian side) with a pair of homemade artificial wings.
• 38 meters above sea level, increasing to a height of 62 meters when adding the height of the stand.
• Enjoy exceptional 360-degree panoramic views of the city.

The Galata Tower is said to have been built in 1348. It is also known that the first tower was built closer to the sea by order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 528. But it was destroyed by the Latin Crusade. . In the 14th century, in 1348, it was the Genoese who broke away from the Byzantines who built a beautiful tower on this site and called it the Tower of Christ, and it was also part of the construction. their military program. During the Ottoman period, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1494-1566), the tower was used as a prison (16th century), and later as the residence of the Ottoman military band (18th century). ), as a fire tower (19th century).

The Galata Tower also has an important story and event in 1638 that a famous Ottoman historian and traveler named Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi flew from the top of the Galata Tower (European side) to the shores of Uskudar (European side) Asian side) with a pair of homemade artificial wings. And this flight is considered to be the first transcontinental flight in the world. After the flight, to reward Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, Sultan Murad IV sent him into exile in Algeria.

Today, the Galata Tower serves as a popular tourist attraction with its observatory offering 360-degree views of Istanbul. There are two elevators at the entrance to get to the top of the tower. There is also a cafe and restaurant (Galata Tower Restaurant) where you can enjoy a Turkish breakfast or lunch in a beautiful setting and a souvenir shop at the entrance of the tower.

You can also spend a wonderful day in the recently restored small square around Galata Tower with a number of lovely outdoor cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as strolling along the narrow streets, especially the famous Galip Dede ramp leading to Tunnel square and Istiklal Street. There are many craft shops, lovely souvenirs as well as a few art galleries along the Galip Dede ramp for visitors to visit.

Fare:

Adults: 30 liras/pax

Business hours

daily

From April 1st to November 1st: 10:00 – 22:00

From 1 Jan 11 to 1 Apr: 10:00 – 19:00

Galata Tower Restaurant is open from 20:00-22:00