The Galata Tower in Istanbul is one of Istanbul’s most prominent landmarks, and one which has a fascinating past, not to mention it is still in use today. No matter which one of our Egypt and Turkey Tours you book, Galata Tower is one of the first things you will see when you arrive in Turkey.

Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey.

Any tourist arriving in Turkey’s capital, Istanbul, is inevitably going to see the city’s most famous and most distinguishable landmark, the Galata Tower, with its grand entrance welcoming visitors. For this reason, it is possibly one of the most viewed Turkey tourist attractions. Not only is the Galata Tower in Istanbul the most recognizable landmark, but it also has a rather interesting history, not to mention the fact that the Galata Tower in Istanbul is still in use to this day.

The Galata Tower In Istanbul – The History and Significance of a timeless Icon

When the Galata Tower in Istanbul was first constructed by the Genoese, the tower was called Christea Turris, which in Latin means Tower of Christ, but it was later renamed after the area in which it was built. At the time of its construction, it was the ultimate fortress built around the Byzantine Galata Citadel. Built in 1348, the tower was also the tallest fortification of its time.

The tower, built by the Genoese, is just shy of 70 meters tall, and while this might not seem impressive by today’s standards, its vantage point over the golden horn made it a huge achievement in its time. One of the most remarkable features of the tower is the fact that it is still actively being used to this day. Then again, its stone walls are nearly four meters thick.

From Battle Station To Watchtower

Almost 400 years after the tower was built, the Galata Tower in Istanbul was being used by the Ottomans as a “fire watch” station. However, its unrivaled height made it ideal for spotting fires anywhere in the city, but ironically however, the tower itself was severely damaged by a fire in 1794.

In 1831 another fire caused significant damage to the tower, but as before, the damage was promptly repaired. In 1875, disaster struck once again. Consequently, on this occasion, a severe storm completely destroyed the tower’s conical roof.

As a result, for the remainder of the Ottoman era, the Galata Tower in Istanbul remained without its conical roof, and it was only many years later during the mid 1960s that work got underway to restore the original roof. Interestingly enough, this is also when the tower’s wooden interior got replaced by concrete. Consequently, upon completion of the restoration project, the tower was officially opened to the public.

Generally, we don’t include a visit to the tower in our range of Egypt and Turkey Tours. However, the tower’s location makes it a very easy and convenient site to visit on your own during you free time in Istanbul. Alternatively, if you would rather visit the tower as part of a tour, we can easily add it to your preferred tour itinerary.

The Galata Tower In Istanbul – The History and Significance of a timeless Icon

From Watchtower To Modern Day Attraction

These days, Galata Tower Istanbul is an incredibly popular tourist attraction, complete with the addition of modern elevators that are able to whisk visitors to the tower’s uppermost floor. As a result, you can enjoy a delicious meal in a restaurant which offers diners spectacular views of Beyoglu (Pera District), Old Istanbul and the Bosphorus that separates the Asian part of Turkey from the European part of the country. Consequently, many visitors to the country’s capital even go as far as saying the restaurant provides the best dining experience in the capital.

Partying The Night Away In An Historical Fortress

If fine dining and panoramic views are not what you are looking for, you’ll be glad to know the tower has something a bit more exhilarating to offer as well because the upper floors of the Galata Tower in Istanbul are also home to one of the city’s most popular nightclubs, and one that never fails to keep patrons entertained.

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The Galata Tower And Megalos Pyrgos

Some visitors to the country tend to mistake the Galata Tower in Istanbul for the Megalo Pyrgos Tower. The latter however was constructed in an entirely different part of the city, and was also built prior to the Galata tower. Additionally, Megalo Pyrgos was almost totally destroyed during the Fourth Crusade which occurred between 1202 and 1204.
For now, it seems the future of this historical landmark is in good hands, and likely to still be standing many years into the future. This is of course largely due to the fact that restoration laws in Turkey are currently among the strictest in the world. Even nails that are removed during restoration projects have to be replaced in exactly the same way as the originals.

Popular Attractions Near Galata Tower in Istanbul

Istiklal Avenue: Just a short walk from the Galata Tower, Istiklal Avenue is one of Istanbul’s most famous streets. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings, it’s a bustling hub of activity day and night. Don’t miss the nostalgic tram that runs along the avenue.
Karaköy: This vibrant neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of modern art galleries, trendy cafes, and historic sites. Karaköy has become a cultural hotspot, attracting both locals and tourists with its unique blend of old and new.
Pera Museum: Located in the nearby Beyoğlu district, the Pera Museum houses an impressive collection of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Saint Antoine Church: Also known as the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, this Roman Catholic Church is the largest in Istanbul. Located on Istiklal Avenue, it features beautiful Gothic architecture and is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Salt Galata: Housed in a former Ottoman Bank building, Salt Galata is a cultural institution that offers exhibitions, a library, and a café. It’s a great place to explore contemporary art and culture while enjoying a cup of coffee.
The Museum of Innocence: Inspired by the novel of the same name by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, this unique museum in the Çukurcuma neighborhood showcases everyday objects that tell the story of the book’s characters. It’s a fascinating blend of literature and visual art.

These attractions, all within walking distance of the Galata Tower, offer a diverse range of experiences that capture the essence of Istanbul’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.

Experience The Galata Tower And More…

You can see Galata Tower in Istanbul for yourself, along with an almost unimaginable number of other fascinating attractions in Turkey, simply by exploring our classic Turkey Tour packages and/or our epic Egypt and Turkey Tours. From high quality package tours to perfectly customized personal tours, our team of consultants is on hand to help you every step of the way.

Galata Tower in Istanbul – Frequently Asked Questions

When you visit the Galata Tower in Istanbul, you’re diving into a world rich with history, breathtaking views, and unique cultural experiences. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit: