The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by the Genoese in 1348 during their occupation of the city, and it has since become an iconic symbol of Istanbul’s skyline. The tower stands at a height of 67 meters (219 feet) and has a cone-shaped top that offers panoramic views of the city.
The tower has had several uses throughout its history. Originally, it was used as a watchtower to spot fires and other dangers in the city. Later on, it served as a prison and then as an observation deck for astronomers. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Visitors can climb to the top of the tower using the elevator or the winding staircase, which consists of 163 steps. From the observation deck at the top, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s old town, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus Strait. There is also a restaurant at the top of the tower where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the view.
The Galata Tower has been renovated and restored several times throughout its history, most recently in 1967. Today, it is managed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and remains one of the most popular landmarks in the city.
The History of The Galata Tower
The history of the Galata Tower dates back to the 6th century when the Byzantine Empire built a wooden tower in the same location to defend the city. However, the current tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 during their occupation of Constantinople, which is now Istanbul. The Genoese were a powerful trading nation based in modern-day Italy, and they controlled the tower and the surrounding Galata district until the Ottoman conquest in 1453.
During the Ottoman period, the tower was used for various purposes. It was used as a prison, an observatory, and a fire lookout station. In the 18th century, the tower was damaged by a fire, and it was restored by the Ottomans. During this restoration, a conical cap was added to the top of the tower, which gave it its distinctive appearance.
In the 19th century, the Galata Tower became a popular spot for travelers and tourists who came to Istanbul. Many famous writers and artists visited the tower, including the French novelist Gustave Flaubert and the French painter Edouard Manet. The tower was also featured in many paintings and sketches by Ottoman and European artists.
In the early 20th century, the Galata Tower was again damaged by a fire and remained abandoned for several years. In 1967, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality restored the tower and opened it to the public as a tourist attraction.
Today, the Galata Tower is one of the most popular landmarks in Istanbul, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It remains an important symbol of the city’s history and culture and is a testament to the architectural and engineering achievements of the past.
The best view from the top of The Galata Tower
The view from the top of the Galata Tower is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to Istanbul. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city that stretches for miles in every direction.
One of the best views from the top of the Galata Tower is of Istanbul’s historic Old Town, which is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are lined with traditional Ottoman-style buildings and bustling markets. From the top of the tower, visitors can see the rooftops of the old town and the minarets of the mosques rising above the city.
Another great view from the top of the Galata Tower is of the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The Golden Horn is lined with historic neighborhoods, such as Fener and Balat, which are known for their colorful houses, lively markets, and historic churches and synagogues. From the top of the tower, visitors can see the Golden Horn stretching out before them, with the Bosphorus Strait visible in the distance.
Finally, the view from the top of the Galata Tower is also spectacular at night when the city is lit up with lights. The tower itself is illuminated, and the city’s mosques and monuments are also lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that is perfect for taking photos and enjoying the city’s beauty from above.
On our last day in Istanbul we walked to the Galata quarter to see the Galata bridge and the Galata tower. After we crossed the Galata Bridge we walked through a very high steep street to get to the tower. After waiting in a long line between a large crowd setting in the ground most of them drinking alcohol which look like a free bar area or share with neighbor kind of crowed, we purchased the tickets and walked few step to take the elevator to the observation area on the 9th floor. It was one a wonderful view to Istanbul, Bosphorus sea