Galata Tower
Travel Point Overview
One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, Galata Tower is among the oldest towers in the world. In 2013, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
: The Historic Symbol of Istanbul
📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
🏛 Era: Byzantine (507-508 AD), Genoese (1348-1349)
👑 Commissioned by: Byzantine Emperor Justinian
🎨 Architectural Style: A blend of Genoese and Ottoman architecture
🛠 Last Restoration: 2020
🎟 Entrance Fee: €30 (Free with Museum Pass)
A Historical Landmark: Galata Tower
One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, Galata Tower is among the oldest towers in the world. In 2013, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Originally used as a fire watchtower, it was also known as the “Galata Fire Tower” for many years. During the 17th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi conducted his famous flight experiments here. He attached wooden wings to his back and successfully glided from Galata Tower to Üsküdar, increasing the tower’s fame.
Who Built Galata Tower? A Brief History
📜 First Construction: Built in 507-508 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian.
🔹 Genoese Reconstruction: Rebuilt by the Genoese in 1348-1349 and later raised in 1445-1446.
🔹 Ottoman Restorations:
- In the 1500s, the tower was damaged by an earthquake and was restored by Architect Murad bin Hayreddin.
- During Sultan Selim III’s reign, a wooden balcony was added to the upper floor.
- In 1831, a fire severely damaged the tower, and Sultan Mahmud II added two more floors, giving the tower its famous conical roof.
- Major restorations took place in 1967 and 2020.
Architectural Features of Galata Tower
🏛 Constructed using rubble stone masonry.
🔹 The entrance inscription contains a 16-line poem dedicated to Sultan Mahmud II.
🔹 It has a total of nine floors above the entrance level.
🔹 The cylindrical body features brick-arched windows.
🔹 A decorative balcony with metal railings surrounds the top floor.
🔹 The lower levels exhibit Genoese design, while the upper levels reflect Ottoman influences.
Today, Galata Tower serves as a cultural and social venue, offering visitors one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Istanbul.
Entrance Fee & Ticket Information
🎟 Standard Ticket: €30
🎟 Free Entry: Available with the Museum Pass
Visitors can purchase tickets at the entrance or online. With a Museum Pass, access to Galata Tower is free, making it an excellent option for those exploring multiple historical sites in Istanbul.
How to Get to Galata Tower?
📍 Location: Beyoğlu, Istanbul
🚗 By Car:
- Follow Tarlabaşı Road towards Taksim and turn left at the Galata Tower sign.
- You can park at designated parking lots near the tower.
🚆 By Public Transport:
- From Taksim: Walk along İstiklal Avenue to the end, then walk 500 meters downhill to reach the tower.
- From Eminönü: Walk uphill via Bankalar Street or take the Tünel funicular.
Explore Galata Tower with Advisormapp!
📲 Use the Advisormapp app to easily find Galata Tower, access audio guides, and learn more about its fascinating history. Get ready to experience one of Istanbul’s most legendary landmarks! 🚀✨
