My Istanbul Guide

Hello friends,
Today, I am going to tell about The Galata Tower.
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi in Turkish) is a stone tower in Galata district of Istanbul. The nine-story tower is 66,90 meters tall and was the tallest structure of the city when built. The tower was built by Genoese in Byzantine Empire time. The tower was built as Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) in 1348 during an expansion of Genoese colony in Costantinople ( an old name of Istanbul).
In Ottoman Empire period, the tower was used for different purposes such as to hold captives, space observations and observation for spotting fires. The Galata tower also destroyed by fire as well as being a place to spot the fires. Galata Tower was restorated several times in Ottoman Empire period.

Galata Tower is also well-known with its being used by Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi as a starting point. In 1632, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, flew as an early aviator using artificial wings for gliding from Galata Tower to Uskudar slopes through the Bosphorus.

Today, Galata Tower stands among other buildings and reminds us how much Istanbul is a historical city. The Galata Tower is in the beginning of Istiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi in Turkish). You can reach there from Karakoy. To let you know, Galata Bridge binds Karakoy and Eminonu. Namely, one end of Galata Bridge is Eminonu and other end is Karakoy.

There are signs which show the way going to Galata Tower.

You need to climb some steps to reach Galata Tower.

When you enter the tower after a few steps at the outside, there is an information desk that you can buy your tickests. Fare is 10TL(10 turkish Liras, about 6-6,5 USD) per person. There are souvenir shop and elevators in this floor. The elevator takes you to the 7th floor and after got out, you still need to climb steps to reach the 9th floor ( the top floor). There are a restaurant and cafe that are run by private companies on the top floor.

A balcony surrounds the top floor of Galata Tower. So, that’s the time to enjoy of great view of Istanbul. I like it very much and suggest you to experience. Also, Galata Tower is a good place to take pictures.

* The restaurant serves food of turkish and international cuisines. Also, Galata Tower is quite nice place to have  a coffee. Retaurant and Cafe is open from 9:00am until 12:00 am.   The phone number to make reservation is (0212) 293-8180

Let’s enjoy spectacular Istanbul views from Galata Tower.