Galata tower
Galata Tower stands tall and proud as the symbol of Istanbul's rich history and fascinating skyline. Rising above the charming Galata district, this iconic medieval stone tower is a testament to the city's ancient heritage.
As you approach the Galata Tower, its impressive structure becomes more evident. Standing at a height of approximately 67 meters (220 feet), the tower attracts the attention of everyone who sees it. Its cylindrical shape, made of stone and brick, displays the architectural brilliance of its time.
The tower consists of nine floors, each with its own unique charm and purpose. As you ascend its spiral staircases or take the elevator to the top, you'll discover a world of stunning views and historical significance. From the observation deck, visitors are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul's vibrant cityscape, the magnificent Bosphorus and the majestic Golden Horn.
Originally built as part of the Genoese walls in the 14th century, the Galata Tower has witnessed centuries of transformation. It has served as a lookout point, a fire tower, and even a prison. Throughout its storied history, it has undergone various renovations and restorations to preserve its grandeur and maintain its place as one of Istanbul's most beloved landmarks.
The exterior of the Galata Tower has elegant decorations such as decorative bands and arched windows. Its conical roof, adorned with a distinctive cone-shaped hood, adds to its appeal. At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated and casts a sparkling light that adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the city.
The lively Galata district surrounding the Galata Tower offers a blend of old-world charm and modern flavours. The quaint streets are lined with boutique shops, trendy cafes and inviting restaurants, offering visitors ample opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture.
Galata Tower promises an unforgettable experience whether you visit during the day or at night. It invites you to admire its architectural splendor, soak in the breathtaking views and embark on a journey through the fascinating history of Istanbul. Standing proudly amidst the city's ever-evolving landscape, Galata Tower remains a timeless symbol of Istanbul's past, present and future.
First Person to Fly:
Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi: Soaring to Freedom with Courage in the Sky:
Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi's story embodies extraordinary adventure and courage. He lived in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire, when Anatolia was connected to Istanbul.
Ahmet Çelebi's adventure is closely related to the historical Galata Tower in Istanbul. According to legend, Ahmet Çelebi had a desire to fly and decided to use the Galata Tower to realize his dream.
One day, Ahmet Çelebi climbed the Galata Tower and jumped down with a large wing he designed. The feathers on the wing began to move with the wind, and Ahmet Çelebi began to glide in the air. While we were watched in amazement, it soared in the sky and began to fly freely in the skies of Istanbul.
Ahmet Çelebi's extraordinary flight attracted great attention during his lifetime. People admired his courage and skill. This incident proved that Ahmet Çelebi was not just a dreamer, but a real flying person.
Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi's flight had an important historical and mythological importance. He not only exceeded his own limits, but also showed that he could push people's limits. Ahmet Çelebi's story symbolizes human imagination and courage to explore new horizons.
There is a monument in Istanbul today to commemorate the legacy of Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi. This monument, located next to the Galata Tower, reminds of Ahmet Çelebi's flight and courage. His story is an inspiring one that encourages people to never stop pushing their limits and achieving their dreams.
Who Built the Galata Tower?
Galata Tower was first built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 507-508 AD. Today's tower was rebuilt by the Genoese in 1348-49. The tower was raised between 1445 and 46. It was damaged in the earthquake that occurred in the 1500s and was repaired by Architect Murad bin Hayreddin. III. After the tower was repaired during the Selim period, a bay window was added to the upper floor of the tower. In 1831, the tower suffered another fire, World War II. It rises two floors higher than the Mahmut tower, and the top of the tower is covered with the famous cone-shaped roof covering. The tower, which was repaired in 1967, will be restored in 2020.
Galata Tower Architecture:
Galata Tower was built in the masonry rubble stone masonry system. The exterior is stone masonry. The 16-line ode on the inscription at the entrance dates back to II. Since it was built during the reign of Mahmud, it is thought to have been written in his name.
The round-arched window above the door was the soldiers' watchtower. It is a nine-storey building with a high ground floor. The windows on its cylindrical body have round arches with brickwork. The development of the last two floors, just below the conical roof, draws the cylindrical body.
It is emphasized by profiled mouldings. Under the cone roof, there is a metal-decorated mesh observation balcony that surrounds the floor. On the lower floor, there are round arches sitting in deep niches and round arched windows made of brick.
Today, it can be seen that the part of the building up to the third floor has a Genoese character, while the other floors have an Ottoman character. Today, the building is used for social and cultural activities.
Where is Galata Tower?
Galata Tower is located in the Galata district of Istanbul. It stands high on a hill in the Beyoğlu district, specifically at Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Galata Kulesi Sokak, No:2, 34420 Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The strategic location of the tower offers panoramic views of the city, including the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the surrounding areas.
How to Get to Galata Tower?
To reach Galata Tower, you can follow these routes, depending on your starting point:
By Public Transport:
Metro: Take the M2 Metro Line and get off at Şişhane Station. From there it's a short walk to Galata Tower.Tram: If you're coming from the historical Sultanahmet area, you can take the T1 Tram Line to Karaköy Station. It is a 10-15 minute walk from Karaköy to Galata Tower.
Bus: Various bus lines serve the Galata area. Check local bus schedules and routes to find the most suitable option for your location.
By ferry: If you are staying on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, you can take a ferry to Karaköy or Eminönü ferry piers. From there it's a short walk to Galata Tower.
By foot: If you are staying in the central areas of Istanbul, you can take a pleasant walk to the Galata Tower. The tower is located in the Galata district and can be reached on foot from popular places such as Istiklal Street or Taksim Square.
It is recommended that you check the latest transportation schedules and routes as they may change. Additionally, consider using navigation apps or asking locals for help if necessary.
Easiest Way: Istanbul Shuttle Travel:
The easiest way to reach Galata Tower from various points of Istanbul is through Istanbul Shuttle Travel services. Istanbul Shuttle Travel offers convenient transportation options that appeal to tourists and visitors. They provide reliable shuttle service with comfortable vehicles and professional drivers. By booking a shuttle transfer through Istanbul Shuttle Travel, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey to Galata Tower, allowing you to focus on enjoying your visit to this landmark. To arrange your shuttle transfer, simply contact Istanbul Shuttle Travel and they will provide you with the easiest and most convenient transportation solution to reach Galata Tower.
Opening/Closing Hours:
open every day
Opening Time: 08:30
Closing Time: 23:00
Box Office Closing Time: 22:00
How much is the entrance fee?
Entrance Fee 350 TL,
Status: OPEN.
Audio Guidance Service Available.
