Galata Tower

The Galata Tower rises above the narrow streets of the Galata quarter in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district. It is about 67 metres tall and can be seen from much of the city.

History of the Galata Tower

Genoese merchants built it in 1348 as the highest point of the Galata fortifications. In Ottoman times it served as a watchtower and fire lookout. Legend says that in the 17th century Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi flew from here to Üsküdar on artificial wings. Since 2020 the tower has been a museum.

The view from the top

The gallery gives a full circle over the historic peninsula, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Asian shore. Inside there is a small exhibition on the tower and the Galata quarter.

Tips for visiting

• Queues are long; come at opening time or late in the afternoon.
• The gallery is narrow and gets cold when it is windy.
• İstiklal Avenue and Karaköy are an easy walk away.