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Unveil the secrets of Galata Tower, Istanbul's ancient watchtower
Having served mighty empires from the Byzantines to the Ottomans as a watchtower and a prison, the Galata Tower is now a museum and an observation deck. Climb the tower to enjoy...
Founded On
1348
Galata TowerAbout
Quick information
ADDRESS
Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
8:30am–10pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
1240000
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
The Galata Tower's origin story remains rather ambiguous. A wooden tower called Megalos Pyrgos was built by the Byzantines around 527 AD, which was eventually destroyed. The current tower was built in 1348 by the Genoese as part of larger fortifications. The walls of Galata, as the fortifications have come to be known are mostly lost now, while the tower stands.
Over the centuries, Galata Tower served as a defense watchtower, fire detection tower, prison, meteorological observatory, and now an observatory deck and museum. The tower has survived turbulent times and the changing empires have renovated and renamed it multiple times.
Galata Tower was the venue for a remarkable feat of aviation. In 1632, Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi attached wooden wings to his arms and flew from the tower to the Doğancılar Square in Üsküdar. An impressed Sultan Murad Khan rewarded him with a bag of gold before exiling him to Algeria, as such a man ‘could do anything’.
Know more about your Galata Tower tickets
Inclusions: An express elevator ride to the top and an audio guide
Suitable for: Visitors in wheelchairs, elderly tourists, and toddlers
Note: There is little to no signal inside the Galata Tower. We recommend downloading the audio guide app on your mobile before visiting.
- Book these Galata Tower entry tickets to get a bird’s eye view of the city and spot iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Dolmabahce Palace from the top.
- Get on the express elevator and reach the top of the tower within a few minutes.
Recommended tours:
Galata Tower Istanbul highlights
- It is not exactly recorded when the tower was built but it is said that the tower came to life around 527 AD, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian.
- The tower had many names like the ‘Christea Turris,’ or the Tower of Christ as the Genoese liked to call it, while the Byzantines preferred to call the tower the ‘Megalos Pyrgos,’ or the Great Tower.
- The tower suffered heavy damage in 1509 when a massive earthquake hit Istanbul, but it was later restored by the famous Ottoman architect, Hayreddin.
- The tower was also used as a prison during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent.
- In the 16th century famous astrologer, Takiyüddin Efendi added an observatory at the very top of the tower.
- Around 1794 the tower was destroyed by a fire but it was restored during the reign of Sultan Selim III, who also added a comba (alcove).
Frequently asked questions about the Galata Tower
Why was the Galata Tower Istanbul built?
It was built as a lighthouse or a watchtower, mainly for the defense of the city.
Why is the Galata Tower important?
Erected in the 14th century, Galata Tower is an important part of the city’s history as it played a prime part of the defense wall surrounding the district.
What does Galata mean?
The word Galata is a variant of the Italian word calata, which refers to a section of the docks of the ports intended for the mooring of merchant ships.
Who built the Galata Tower?
The birth of the Galata Tower is shrouded in mystery but it is debated that either the Romans or the Genoese Colony built the Tower.
Is the restoration of Galata Tower complete?
The Galata Tower was recently renovated by the government and has reopened to the public in 2021 after the restoration process was completed.
How many stairs does Galata Tower Istanbul have?
The Galata Tower has 146 stairs inside the tower.
Is there an elevator in Galata Tower?
Yes, there is an elevator in Galata Tower that takes you up to the topmost floor of the building.
Is the restaurant still open at Galata Tower?
No, the restaurant/cafe was closed down after the recent restoration done by the government.