Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

Galata Tower is a historical landmark on the hillside of Galata Hill in the most urbanized, European part of Istanbul, the Beyoğlu district. The building rises 61 meters, is located high above sea level and is therefore visible from any part of the historic center of the Turkish capital. The Galata Tower is among the most visible and visited monuments of the city and has long been one of Istanbul’s calling cards.

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Video: Galata Tower

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Highlights

The first wooden tower on Galata Hill dates back to the 5th century. And the tower that can be seen today was built by the Genoese in the mid-14th century. In the Middle Ages, the Galata Tower served as an observatory, a watchtower and a prison. It became the place from where the first Turkish balloonist Hezarfen made a successful flight.

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In the 1960s, the old tower was restored and its dome became conical. After a while, two elevators were made here. Today, the monument of Genoese architecture is a museum object and has a good observation platform from which it is pleasant to admire the beauty of Istanbul.

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‘ Galata Tower on the panorama of Istanbul

History of Galata Tower

‘ Istanbul even referred to Galata as “the city of infidels.”

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Ancient Istanbul suffered from earthquakes from time to time. One of them occurred in 1509. Underground tremors were so strong that the high-rise structure did not resist and collapsed. There is information that the restoration and superstructure of the Galata Tower was carried out by architect Hayreddin.

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‘ Bosphorus Strait. In 1632, a brave balloonist jumped from the top platform of the Galata Tower, crossed the sea strait thanks to a tailwind and landed safely on the opposite side of the Bosphorus, in Doganjilar Square.

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‘ Istanbul is hardly to be welcomed. The Sultan gave Hezarfen a purse of gold and sent him into exile in Algeria. There the Turkish balloonist ended his days at the age of 31. Nowadays, the name of the brave Hezarfen is carried by a small private airfield, which is located 20 kilometers west of Ataturk International Airport.

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Throughout its long history, the Galata Tower has been reconstructed several times. The first time was when the empire was led by Mehmed II the Conqueror, who went down in history as Fatih. The tower was rebuilt in the middle of the XV century, after the troops of the ruler captured Constantinople. The sultan ordered the dome of the building to be dismantled, and it became 6.8 meters lower.

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After reconstruction in 1791, the Galata Tower shrank even more, to 45 meters. In 1832, the structure, on the contrary, superstructured, making a viewing platform at the top. And 43 years later it was time for another construction work, and the tower acquired modern features.

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The last large-scale reconstruction of the historic monument was carried out by the city authorities from 1964 to 1967. The building was covered with a cone-shaped roof and elevators were installed inside. Since that time, visitors have a choice. Those who want to get to the top of the Galata Tower quickly use elevators. And the more patient and physically strong choose the tedious climb up the stone steps of the ancient spiral staircase.

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‘ Galata Tower observation deck
‘ Restaurant

Galata Tower Tour

Nowadays, there is an observation deck at the top of the historical and architectural monument. It is located at a height of 137 meters above sea level and is very popular with tourists. Many travelers specially come to the tower to take a detailed look at the streets and buildings of Galata, the Pera district, the Old City and neighborhoods on the right bank of the Golden Horn Bay. The Galata Tower overlooks the opposite shore of the Bosphorus, and in good weather, the Princes’ Islands or Kiziladalar, located in the Sea of Marmara, can be seen perfectly.

Besides, you can have a good time in the restaurant, nightclub and cafeteria. For visitors, the observation deck is open without weekends from 9.00 to 20.00, and the restaurant welcomes guests until 24.00.

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How to get there

Galata Tower stands in the historical center of Istanbul, 2.2 km north of the famous Sultanahmet Square. From the Old City it is convenient to get to the tower by streetcar. You have to go to the Karaköy stop, which is located right behind the Galata Bridge. And then walk up the steep, cobblestone streets to the Galata Tower.

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