Galata Tower is one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul. To the impressive height of the tower itself (61 meters, while it was built in the 14th century!), The natural elevation of the hill of the same name is added - so that Galata is perfectly visible from virtually any area of ​​the Turkish capital. Well, of course, this "visibility" could not but affect the popularity of the structure among tourists - at least a lot of travelers come to look at the miracle of medieval architecture, than to other "untwisted" sights of Istanbul.

Galata Tower

View of Galata Tower and Istanbul

View of Istanbul from the tower

A bit of history

Galat tower in its current version was was built by the Genoese in the middle of the 14th century . Then, however, it had another name - literally, the "tower of Christ" - and its construction was designed to perpetuate the fact of the expansion of the Genoese colonies of Constantinople .. However, the Genoese were not pioneers on the Galata hill - on archaeological excavations, the advantageous location of the area began to be used from the 5th century, when the Galata predecessor was erected here . For many centuries the Genoese Galata Tower was used both as a fire tower and as a starting point for air travel (in 1633 a brave man on artificial wings started from here) and as a place for panoramic photos of Istanbul . And in 1965 Galata was opened to the general public .

What to see

The magnificent view of Istanbul is the first thing you should climb to the top of the Galata Tower. The height is dizzying, so it's better not to look at impressionable people. On the top of the tower there are a restaurant and a cafe, to which two elevators deliver. And at the foot it is possible to hang out well in a night club.

Address: Bereketzade Mh., Galata Kulesi, Beyoğlu.

Reviews of the Galata Tower (3)

Evaluation 6

July 24, 2014

The author of the review

was here in October 2013

Not that I was very happy from visiting the Galant Tower, but I liked the story of the circle guide. The tower represents the rest of the wall that surrounded the settlement of foreigners in the ancient Byzantine Constantinople.
Tourists and flocks of Istanbul non-formals are always talking around the tower. But here's what really is worth paying attention - next to the Galata Tower Istiklal, goes to the street Galip Dede. This place is known for the fact that all trades are traditionally traded there ... Read the full review

Evaluation 2

Attractions turned into a clean business 05 February 2014

Olga

was here in June 2013

In the tower of Galata we went on the road, walking along Istiklal Street in Istanbul, after shopping in the stock store, Mango wanted to paddle around the street and see something interesting. And I will honestly say that it is good that Galata Tower did not enter a separate point in our program, because there is really nothing to do there, to look at Istanbul from the height of the tower? Yes, the view is simply stunning, but that's all the tower has to offer. That's enough for 10 minutes. Lookout balcony is tiny, there is no place, and still ... Read the full review

Evaluation 10

The whole panorama of Istanbul November 22, 2013

Eugenia

was here in December 2012

Galata Tower or Galata Kulesi, as it is called in Turkey, is one of the most remarkable sights of Istanbul. We visited the Galata Tower in December 2012, the month was winter, the tourists are few. I must say that a visit to the tower should immediately be planned in conjunction with other interesting objects in the area - Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, the old funicular, St. Anthony's Church and many other unparalleled streets and buildings that will please you very much. Therefore, be sure to allocate a lot of time and ... Read the whole review