Istanbul Landmarks: Galata Tower

Fourteenth century’s Galata Kulesi, or Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s oldest landmarks. It was originally built as a watchtower to guard the Walls of Galata, and throughout it’s history has served as a prison, fire watch tower, and a platform for the first attempted intercontinental flight!

Located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, it’s a popular tourist attraction – home to an interesting museum, exhibition space and Galata Tower restaurant. However, the pièce de resistance is it’s observation platform beneath the conical tower, offering 360° panoramas of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus Strait, and across the water towards Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

After sunset, the exterior illuminates, attracting attention from all over the city, earning Galata Tower Istanbul the title of one of Türkiye (Turkey)’s most awe-inspiring historic sites and one of the oldest historical landmarks of Istanbul.

You may already book your flight to Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines to experience this historical treasure.

History of Galata Tower

The first tower was instructed by Emperor Justinian during the Byzantine era around the year 507, and the ancient tower was known as “Megalos Pyrgos” which translates to Great Tower.

However, this tower did not survive and was dismantled centuries later during the Fourth Crusade. In the mid-late 1200s, a new colony was established in the Constantinople’s Galata district. The Genoese arrived and constructed walls around the city, followed by a new Galata Tower to protect the harbor. At the time it was the city’s tallest structure, standing at almost 67 meters high and they called it by it’s Latin name – the “Tower of Christ”.

Following the Turkish conquest in 1453, the Genoese colony was abolished and the tower had a new assignment – to serve as a prison under the rule of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Two hundred years later, legendary aviator Hezârfen Ahmet Çelebi decided to attempt the world’s first intercontinental flight from the top of the tower, by strapping on a pair of wings after spending time studying birds. He is said to have landed in Dogancilar Square in Üsküdar, six kilometres away.

When Galata Tower passed to the Ottomans in 1717 it was used as a look-out point to seek out fires in Old Istanbul, however, after suffering two fires itself over the next hundred years, it had to be restored. Additional floors and the conical tip of the roof was added, the latter of which was destroyed by a storm years later.

The tower remained out of commission until the 1960s, when it was fully renovated and ready to open to the general public.

Architecture of Galata Tower

Istanbul Galata Tower is designed in a Romanesque architectural style, constructed from rubble stone masonry with a poetic inscription above the entrance.

The first seven floors are accessible via elevator, and the final two on foot via stairs. If you’re interested in how tall the Galata Tower is, it stands proudly as a symbol of the city at almost 67 meters, including the ornamental roof decoration and it has an exterior diameter of 16.45 meters.

The windows are brick-knit arches in a circular design and decorative mouldings surround the body of the building. During recent excavations a secret escape route tunnel was discovered, leading to the sea – found along with ancient coins and inscriptions. The tunnel and artefacts are said to date to the Genoese era.

The conical tower is perhaps the most impressive section of the structure with two storeys of arched enclaves and an ornamental metalwork at the viewing platform.

What Else is Near by Galata Tower

Galata Tower is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul and a short walk from some of the best shopping and dining streets in Istanbul. One such street is Galip Dede Street with it’s cafes, musical instrument shops and souvenir emporiums.

Visitors can head to Mevlevi House Museum to learn about the famous Whirling Dervishes and explore the museum dedicated to Rumi, the poet and scholar responsible for creating Sufism.

 

Those seeking a cosmopolitan vibe can walk to Istiklal Street from Galata Tower. The famous street is home to centuries-old, family-run restaurants where one can sample delicious Turkish cuisine and wander along historic, labyrinthine passageways. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Istanbul, shop in the city and boasts beautiful Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical architecture.

It’s also possible to walk or take a taxi across the water to Sultanahmet Square from Galata Tower. This, one of the most famous tourist zones in Istanbul, is home to the Blue Mosque, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and Hagia Sophia.

How to Get to Galata Tower

 It’s easy to reach Galata Tower on foot, via taxi or public transport. With travelling on the Metro, take the M2 line and disembark at Şişhane Metro Station – it is then a six minute walk. Alternatively, travelling by bus, the nearest stop is Kemeralti.

You can also travel to Galata Tower by local tram. The nearest stop to Galata Tower is Karaköy, just 10 minutes away on foot.

Entrance to Galata Tower

As Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions, it’s advisable to arrive earlier or later in the day to avoid large crowds.

Visitors can purchase a ticket for 30€ per adult or invest in a MuseumPass İstanbul E-Card, which costs 105€, allowing access to Istanbul’s top 10 attractions (including Galata Tower) for five days. It’s advisable to buy tickets online in advance, for a weekday if possible, as there are usually long queues and local visits on weekends. Guided tours are also available.

The Tower of Love

Galata Tower is known as a magical spot, and legend has it that couples who climb the tower for the first time together will marry and are destined to be together for eternity. However, if one member of the party has already visited, alone or with someone else, it will not happen. If you believe in local folk tales, it’s wise to make your choice prior to climbing the tower.

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