With this post about the Galata Tower, we inaugurate a series of articles about important monuments in Istanbul that, due to time constraints, cannot always be visited within our guided programs, but which you can include in your trip if you have free time for it.
Location and History of the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is located in the Beyoglu district, in a strategic location: near the northern shore of the Golden Horn, thus enjoying privileged views of this waterway, the city, and the entire Bosphorus Strait in general. In fact, that was the goal pursued by its creators, the Genoese colony of Constantinople, when they erected it in 1348: they wanted it to be a watchtower for their citadel. It was, in reality, the successor to a Byzantine one that was destroyed during the sacking by the Crusaders in the Fourth Crusade, in 1204.
It was quite a landmark, as for many centuries it was the tallest construction in the entire city, with 67 meters in height. Its robust architecture and impregnable character favored its use as a dungeon and fire watchtower during the Ottoman period.
Attractions of the Visit
The Galata Tower is visible from many points in the city, as well as from Bosphorus cruises. Therefore, to photograph its structure, you can head to many points located around it. But in addition, there are two main reasons to visit it inside: its views and its museum.
Regarding the panoramic views, these are 360º. That is, upon reaching the ninth and last floor, you exit onto the tower’s balcony and can walk around its entire circumference, as it’s a continuous viewpoint. This way, you can not only contemplate the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait but also the urban layout of the city, spread across its seven hills.
As for its museum, recently deployed, it extends through the first seven floors of the tower. Each floor is a specific area where relevant pieces and facts for the tower and the city are shown. For example, it explains the famous flight of Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi, who in 1630 allegedly flew from the Galata Tower to the Asian side, equipped with an artificial wing system.
On the seventh floor, a magnificent model of the city of Istanbul is displayed, with some of its main monuments highlighted. And among them, of course, the Galata Tower itself. Ship models, archaeological pieces found in Istanbul (ceramics, sculptures, etc.) and vintage photographs are other resources on display, also accompanied by audiovisual resources that make the visit more enjoyable.
Useful Information for the Visit
Take note of this practical information if you’re planning to visit this emblematic monument of Istanbul:
- Opening Hours: open every day of the week, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM. The ticket office closes one hour earlier (at 10:00 PM)
- Price: 30€. There are reduced prices for children, to be consulted at the ticket office
- Address: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
- Important accessibility note: The Galata Tower has an elevator but it only goes up to the seventh floor. To go up to the top (ninth floor), where the panoramic balcony is located, it is necessary to climb on foot, with no alternative options for people with reduced mobility. In any case, the seventh floor has windows that allow you to contemplate the city through them. Visitors under 18 years old are not allowed without adult accompaniment
