Istanbul – the cultural, social, and economical capital of Turkey – is a city known for its magnificent history. Spanning over more than 2500 years, the fascinating history of Istanbul includes several powerful kingdoms. Hence, it would not be surprising to see some of the most important historical landmarks of the country in Istanbul. One such landmark is the Galata Tower, one among the top-rated tourist attractions in Istanbul. The Galata Tower traces back its history to the 6th century. Over the years, the tower has undergone multiple destructions, reconstructions, and renovations. Today, although it is not the tallest tower in Istanbul, Galata Tower still is a formidable structure that has stood the test of time. Here is everything you need to know about Istanbul’s Galata Tower.
Important Facts about Galata Tower
- One of the important Galata Tower facts is that the structure stands at the height of 67 meters, which is around 220 feet, comprising nine floors. At the time of completion, it was the tallest tower in Istanbul.
- Before it was named the Galata Tower, it was called Christea Turris, which means Tower of Christ.
- One of the most significant things about Galata Tower is its location. The tower is located right where the Golden Horn (an inlet) flows into the Bosphorous Strait. Due to its strategic location, the tower provides a panoramic view of the entire city of Istanbul.
- The diameter of the tower at the base is 16.5 meters, and the thickness of the wall is 3.75 meters. The thick walls of the tower are the reason the tower was able to survive natural calamities like earthquakes and enemy attacks over several centuries.
- The Galata Tower has a Romanesque architectural side. The tower was built using stone and bricks, although concrete was added during the later renovations.
History of Galata Tower
- The origin of the Galata Tower is linked to the Byzantine empire in the 6th century. The original tower was believed to have been built somewhere between 507 and 508 AD by the then Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It was a wooden tower that acted as a watchtower until it was destroyed in 1204 by the Fourth Crusaders.
- The reconstruction of the tower was undertaken by the Genoese community, a wealthy and powerful community from Genoa, a place in present day Italy, who resided in the area. The main purpose of the tower was defense and surveillance for the Genoese community.
- However, the rule of the Genoese ended in 1453 as the place was conquered by the Ottomans. The Genoese handed over the Galata area, including the tower, and it was used as both an observatory as well as a prison during the Ottoman Empire.
- In 1717, the Galata Tower was converted into a fire tower for the purpose of surveillance and for monitoring the Bosphorous River’s maritime traffic. The army used to hide here in preparation of attacks during war. In the19th century, the tower was also used for storing the city’s supplies.
- The staircase of the tower got destroyed in 1794 due to fire. And it remained roofless for a long time as the roof got damaged during a storm. It was between 1965 and 1967, when the conical roof you see today was constructed.
- Around the same time, the wooden internal structure was replaced by concrete one and the viewing platform was added, opening it for the public.
- But it was in 2020, when the Galata Tower went through major renovations and a museum, and other attractions were added. Today, it is managed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey.
Things to do at Galata Tower
With such long and deep historical significance, it is not surprising that Galata Tower is a major attraction, equally liked by locals and tourists. It is also a part of almost all Istanbul tourist packages. But what exactly can you do here? Let us find out.
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Featured Explore the Museum
Image Credit : muze.gen.tr
The museum is the recent addition to the Galata Tower, a move to attract more tourists. Located on the lower levels of the tower, the Galata Tower Museum gives you a glimpse into the history and evolution of the tower. You will get to see a model of the original monument and will be able to trace the history of the place through replicas, dioramas, artifacts, and more. You will also find interactive displays and multimedia installations where you will get to know some common, uncommon, unusual, and unique facts about the tower.
Calligraphy and Art Installations
The interior of the Galata Tower is not restricted to the museum. Rather, the upper floors are dedicated to Turkish and Ottoman calligraphy. You will find replicas of old manuscripts, historical inscriptions, religious stories, royal decrees, and poetry written in traditional Ottoman calligraphy here. Moreover, the tower also holds temporary exhibitions where you will get to see modern Turkish art, paintings, sculptures, multimedia art, and art installations, including digital ones and augmented reality ones.
Observation Deck
One of the main reasons for visiting Galata Tower is its view. Located on the 8th floor of the tower, the panoramic view of the city is what the deck offers to all its guests. An elevator will take you to the 7th floor of the tower. From the seventh floor, you have to climb up two flights of stairs to reach the observation deck. Alternatively, you can also use the stairs from the ground level.
There is a narrow balcony around the upper floor of the tower, which is secured with metal railings. You can walk around it to see the city from different angles. Some of the important spots you can see from the tower are Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Bosphorous Strait, Golden Horn, Bosphorous Bridge, and Suleymaniye Mosque. You can also check out these landmarks closely from the five observation binoculars on the seventh floor.
How to Reach Galata Tower?
Galata Tower is located in Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, Beyoglu district of Istanbul. Reaching this place is quite easy as public transportation in Istanbul is efficient. There are different ways of reaching Galata Tower.
Taxi: Taxi is the fastest and the easiest way of reaching Galata Tower. It will drop you directly in front of the tower. However, it is also the most expensive option.
Metro: Taking the metro is an economical option. To reach Galata Tower by metro, you need to get off at Sishane Metro Station while taking the M2 green line. From the metro station, you will have to walk 10 minutes to reach the tower.
Tram: Tram is another cheaper alternative for traveling to Galata Tower. For this, you must take the T1 line and get off at Karakoy tram stop. From the tram stop, you need to walk a short distance to reach the tower.
Bus: You can take a bus to Sisshanee and then walk towards the tower.
Ferry: As it is located near the Bosphorous Strait and the Golden Horn, taking a ferry is also a good idea. It is also not just a means of transportation but also one of the best ways to enjoy the scenic view of the city. If you are taking a ferry, you need to get off at Eminonu or Karakoy, both located close to the tower.
Important Tips for Visitors
Knowing and following these tips for visiting Galata Tower is essential for having a great experience.
- The best time to visit Galata Tower is during sunset. The setting sun adds a beautiful glow to the different structures of the city, making it perfect for some great photography. Note: This is also the time when the tower is the most crowded.
- Although there are observation viewfinders inside the tower, it is best to get your own binoculars or camera with a good zoom lens, as getting access to the viewfinders would be really slow if the place is crowded.
- It is best to book your tickets to the Galata Tower online, as you may have to wait in a long queue if you are planning to purchase the tickets at the venue.
- The tour of the Galata Tower will require around an hour. So, plan your day accordingly.
- The observation deck is open-air, and hence it is important to be vigilant and supervise the children.
- If you are taking the spiral staircase, do not rush yourself to reach the top. Rather, take your time and observe the stonework of the Genoese, including the rough-hewn arches and stones. An important point to note is that some of the stairs are quite narrow and can cause claustrophobia.
- Do check out the gift shop, Soul of Anatolia, right at the exit of the tower. This is a great place to buy souvenirs, handmade ceramics, Galata Tower’s minitues, and traditional Turkish tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Galata Tower opening and closing hours?
The Galata Tower is open from 8.30 AM to 7 PM in the evening. The last entry is at 6.30 PM
2. Is Galata Tower wheelchair-friendly?
A part of the tower is wheelchair friendly. There are elevators to reach the 7th floor of the Galata Tower. However, wheelchairs cannot reach the observation deck.
3. Can I take pictures inside the Galata Tower?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Galata Tower, including the museums, staircases, and observation decks. However, avoid using flash if it is mentioned at some of the exhibits.
4. Do I need separate tickets for the museum and the observation deck?
No, the entry ticket covers the museum as well as the observation deck.
5. What is the best time to visit Galata Tower if I want to avoid crowds?
If you want to avoid crowds, it is best to visit the tower early in the morning (as soon as it opens) and late in the evening (close to closing time).
6. What are the best attractions around Galata Tower?
Some of the attractions you can visit along with Galata Tower are Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, and more. You can explore all these places on the same day on foot.
6. What is the cost of the entry ticket for Galata Tower?
The cost of the Galata Tower entry tickets is around 1598 lira. However, this can change in the future.
Conclusion
Galata Tower has great historical and cultural importance to Istanbul, making it a place you must not miss while visiting the city. This 4 days in Istanbul itinerary will give you an idea about spending your 4-day holiday in this incredible city of Turkey.
