Discover the enchanting Galata Tower, a medieval gem nestled in Istanbul’s vibrant Galata district. magine this: back in 1348, they put up this tower just to keep an eye out.
Fast forward, and it’s not only been a watchtower but also did time as a prison and a lookout for fires. It’s like a living history book! Come see for yourself – this place has stories to tell, and you’ll feel the vibes of centuries when you step inside.
Today, it beckons travelers with its captivating history and promises breathtaking cityscapes from its 67-meter height and nine floors. Embrace the allure of history and panoramic views – Galata Tower invites you to explore Istanbul’s past while creating your own unforgettable memories.
Learning Galata tower
History of Galata
The first wooden tower on Galata Hill appeared in the Vth century. And the tower, which is well-known today, was built by the Genoese in the middle of the XIV century. In the Middle Ages, the Galata Tower served as an observatory, a lookout platform and a prison. It became the place where the first Turkish balloonist Hezarfen made a successful flight from.
The tower, which has survived to the present day, appeared on Galata Hill in 1348-1349, when the Genoese colony conquered these lands. The powerful structure was called the “Tower of Jesus” (in Latin “Christea Turris”). The tall stone building had a wall thickness of up to 3.5 m, a diameter of 9 m and served as an excellent landmark for sailors. Besides, it was an important part of the defensive structures encircling Galata. In addition to towers and stone walls, the Genoese line of fortifications included wide moats. Today the fact that they existed can be confirmed by the names of two small streets near the Galata Tower – Buyuk Handek (“Big Moat”) and Kucuk Handek (“Small Moat”).
Ancient Istanbul suffered from earthquakes from time to time. One of them happened in 1509. The tremors were so strong that the high-rise structure collapsed. The architect Hayreddin was engaged in the restoration and superstructure of the Galata Tower.
During the reign of Sultan Murad Khan, an observatory was placed at the top of the Galata Tower, and the lower floors of the building were used as a prison.
Then the tower got a new name – Hezarfen Kulesi. This happened after the brave Turk and inquisitive scientist Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi managed to accomplish something unprecedented – to fly on homemade wings across the Bosphorus Strait. In 1632, the brave balloonist jumped from the top platform of the Galata Tower, thanks to the gusts of a tailwind crossed the sea strait and landed safely on the opposite side of the Bosphorus, on the Dogancilar Square.
The last large-scale reconstruction of the historical monument was carried out by the city authorities from 1964 to 1967. The building was covered with a conical roof and elevators were installed. Since that time, visitors have had a choice. Those who want to climb to the top of the Galata Tower quickly use elevators. And more patient and physically strong ones choose the tedious climb up the stone steps of the ancient spiral staircase.
Nowadays, there is an observation deck at the top of the historical and architectural monument. It is located at an altitude of 140 meters above sea level and is very popular among tourists.
Besides, you can have a good time in a restaurant, a nightclub and a cafeteria. For visitors, the observation deck is open seven days a week from 9.00 to 20.00, and the restaurant welcomes guests until 24.00
Views of Galata Tower
Many travelers specially come to the tower to examine the streets and buildings of Galata, the Pera district, the Old Town and the quarters on the right bank of the Golden Horn Bay. If the weather is nice the Princes’ Islands or Kiziladalar, located in the Marmara Sea, are perfectly visible from the Galata Tower. The site itself is located along the entire circumference of the building, which allows you to explore the area from all sides. You can enjoy the view of the Asian side of the city and the Bosphorus Bay, and then go to the other side to look at the Golden Horn Bay, where the Ataturk Bridge and the Galata Bridge span. Both buildings are amazing from the point of view of architecture. This is the best point to take panoramic 360-degree view photos of Istanbul at Taksim
Experienced tourists recommend choosing the time closer to its closure to visit the observation deck. The main flow of visitors is already subsiding, and you will not stand in long queues. Calmly admire the views of Istanbul and feel its atmosphere. The entrance to the observation deck for children under 5 years is free. In addition to the entrance to the site itself, the adult ticket price includes an elevator ride and a visit to a local museum with a souvenir shop. You will have to go back down the ornate staircase, examining each floor of the tower with its expositions.
Around Restaurants
If you want to see Istanbul at night from a height, you can go to the Galata Tower restaurant. The observation deck is already closed at a later time, but the restaurant is open until midnight. It is located a little lower, so it also offers a good view. Tourists come here mostly to order a couple of drinks and desserts. We recommend this option to you as well.
How to go to Galata Tower
On foot
On the maps, the site is marked as Galata Kulesi or Galata Tower, depending on what language is used: Turkish or English. This is the point you will need to look for. But do not forget that the tower is visible from almost anywhere in the city, so if you go for a walk in the center of Istanbul, you can easily find the way without the help of a map. You will just walk towards the tower.
By metro
The nearest metro station to the Galata Tower is Şişhane. It takes about 5 minutes to go from the station to the site on foot.
By tramway
The nearest metro station to the Galata Tower is Şişhane. It takes about 5 minutes to go from the station to the site on foot.
By historical red tramway
You can find station on taksim square. You going to watch all istiklal street during 10 minute.
By taxi
If a taxi is preferable, then it will not be difficult for you to find a car. The cars of official carriers are yellow, and the trip is paid exclusively by the meter. Taxis are always available in the area of train stations, metro stations and tourist sights. Please keep in mind that Istanbul is a megacity, and therefore traffic jams are possible on the roads. To call a taxi, you can use the BiTaksi application.
Visitor information
Galata Tower opening hours
Galata Tower opening hours are 9 AM – 7 PM daily.
Best time to visit
Galata Tower opening hours are 9 AM – 7 PM daily.
F.A.Q.
Galata Tower is primarily used today as a tourist attraction. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline. The tower also houses a restaurant and a nightclub. Additionally, the tower has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as an observation point for fires and as a watchtower during times of war.
Galata Tower, also known as the Tower of Christ, was built in 1348 during the medieval Genoese period in Constantinople, which is now modern-day Istanbul, Turkey. The tower served as a lookout and was an important part of the city’s fortifications. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
Specifically, it is situated in the neighborhood of Karaköy, which is located on the European side of the city, just north of the famous Golden Horn waterway. The tower is easily accessible by public transportation and is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Istanbul.
