The Galata Tower Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the most iconic monuments in the peninsula that offers the most stellar visuals of the entire city. Located close to the junction of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, it has scintillating views of the entire Istanbul peninsula and its surroundings. Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul has a rich history that has seen nearly 2,500 years of conflicting surges of religion, culture, and imperial power. This guide will take you through Galata Tower's history and also some interesting facts regarding its uses in the bygone eras.
It was built as a lighthouse or a watchtower, mainly for the defense of the city.
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.
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.
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.
The Galata Tower was recently renovated by the government and has reopened to the public in 2021 after the restoration process was completed.
The Galata Tower has 146 stairs inside the tower.
Yes, there is an elevator in Galata Tower that takes you up to the topmost floor of the building.
No, the restaurant/cafe was closed down after the recent restoration done by the government.