The one-of-a-kind tower is the pupil of İstanbul’s eye! The Galata Tower is one of the historical structures worth visiting as it is recognised for its ancient history, legendary story, and magnificent appearance. All these things add value to the city’s silhouette and enrich the texture of İstanbul. So, how familiar are you with The Galata Tower?
If you find yourself looking for the Galata Tower on every trip to İstanbul, you are not alone. You might be willing to travel long distances just to see the Galata Tower up close for the first time. If these things are true, then you must be eager to learn more about this historic structure. In this article, we’ve covered everything from the Galata Tower’s history to what you can do in and around the Galata neighbourhood! Even if you think you already know the Galata Tower very well, we still recommend that you read our article all the way through. Let’s get this party started!
1. Where is the Galata Tower located?
The Galata Tower is located on İstanbul’s European side, in the district of Beyoğlu. Galata Tower gets its name from the neighbourhood in which it is located. This historical tower, which can be seen from many parts of İstanbul and gives you that “I am in İstanbul” feeling as soon as you see it and it makes you want to head to Beyoğlu as soon as possible!
2. How to get to the Galata Tower?
The streets and avenues of İstanbul provide numerous options for getting to Galata. However, one of the shortest ways is from Karaköy. If you’re wondering how to get to Galata Tower from the Anatolian side you can take the Kadıköy-Karaköy ferry and breathe in some sea air on your way to Galata.
You can also take the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram from the European side to the Karaköy stop. If you want to take the metro, you can easily make your way to Galata by getting off at the Şişhane stop of the Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro line. In short, if you want to see the Galata Tower up close and personal, it’s easy all paths lead to the tower!
3. When was the Galata Tower built?
The Galata Tower was originally constructed between 507 and 508 AD. When the tower was destroyed due to unfortunate historical conditions in 1204, it was rebuilt by the Genoese in 1348 and became part of the walls surrounding Galata. The Galata Tower has been restored numerous times for various reasons from the past to the present. After its most recent restoration in 2020, it was opened to visitors as a museum.
4. Who built the Galata Tower?
Byzantine Emperor Justinian built the original Galata Tower in 1204. Architect Murad bin Hayreddin repaired the tower after it was damaged by an earthquake in the 1500s during Ottoman rule one of many repairs conducted in its hundreds of years history.
5. What is the legend of the Galata Tower?
The legend of the Galata Tower is quite unique and romantic. So much so that when you hear the story, it will certainly sound familiar. According to legend, the Maiden’s Tower and the Galata Tower fall in love. The Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower had long yearned for each other, but the wide Bosphorus straight prevented the lovers from meeting. That is until Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi’s flight from The Galata Tower over the Maiden’s Tower across the Bosphorus.
While Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi is about to fulfil his dream of flying, the Galata Tower whispers in Hezarfen’s ear his love for the Maiden’s Tower and asks him to deliver letters he wrote to the Maiden’s Tower. Çelebi then takes his legendary flight to deliver the letters to the Maiden’s Tower. In this way, Maiden’s Tower recognises that the love that they have for each other is not unrequited, and therefore lives on until this day.
6. What are the features of the Galata Tower?
- The Galata Tower stands at exactly 69.90 metres in height. The tower weighs 10,000 tonnes, according to static calculations.
- After the high first floor, the Galata Tower is a nine-story building with a viewing terrace under the cone roof with views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn,
- Inside the Galata Tower, there is also a lift. It is possible to ascend using the lift. However, the only way to access the top two floors are by steps.
7. How much is the entrance fee to the Galata Tower?
As of 2023, the entrance fee to Galata Tower is 350 TL. However, because the tower is under the direction of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism you can use your Müzekart to enter if you have one. If you want to take a closer look at the tower, it is open from 08:30 to 23:00.
8. What is there to do in and around Galata Tower?
You may have heard that the tower has a restaurant and an entertainment centre, but we regret to inform you that these two establishments have now closed. The Galata Tower’s interior consists mainly of exhibition halls. In terms of location, however the surrounding areas of the tower provides many options for visitors and is an especially unique environment for art, music, and handcrafts.
After admiring the expansive view from the Galata Tower’s balcony, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the nearby cafes, visit the historical churches, or walk to Taksim. Don’t forget to take the familiar picture with the tower at the end of the street before you leave!
If you are going to visit the Galata Tower, you’re probably going to stay in İstanbul for a few days, right? You can make your reservation right now by selecting the best Galata hotels for your İstanbul vacation.
