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Galata Tower: Istanbul's Timeless Witness
Imagine a tower in love with its city, one it has watched over for centuries without ever looking away.
6/8/20252 min read
Galata Tower: Istanbul's Timeless Witness
A stone tower rising steadfastly in the heart of Istanbul, overlooking the historic peninsula… Galata Tower is an observer that has adorned the city's skyline for centuries, a storyteller of legends, and a captivating icon offering a bird's-eye view of Istanbul to its visitors. With its history, architecture, and the stories it carries, Galata Tower is both a gateway to the past and one of today's most popular viewing spots.
A Legend Rising Through History
The history of Galata Tower dates back to the 6th century. First built as a "Lighthouse Tower" during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the structure took its current form in 1348 when it was constructed by the Genoese as part of the Galata walls under the name "Christea Turris" (Tower of Christ). During the Ottoman period, Galata was used as a fire watchtower and underwent many functional changes over time. Today, it serves both as a museum and an observation terrace for Istanbulites and tourists.
Viewing Istanbul from Galata
When you visit Galata Tower, you ascend to a height of 67 meters and witness one of Istanbul's most mesmerizing views. A 360-degree panoramic vista stretching from the Sea of Marmara to the Bosphorus Bridge, and from the Golden Horn to Topkapı Palace, unfolds before you like a painting. Istanbul gleaming in the morning sun or the city silhouette bathed in golden tones at sunset takes on a new meaning here.
A Fairy Tale Soaring on Hezarfen's Wings
One of the most well-known legends of Galata Tower is that of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, who, in the 17th century, flew from here with wings he made himself all the way to Üsküdar. This story, mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's travel book, underscores that Galata is not just an ordinary tower but a monument where imagination and science merge. The statue of Hezarfen located just in front of the tower today is a tribute to this legend.
Discover Galata with Reviva Turizm!
Join our guided walking tours to explore the historic fabric of Istanbul step by step, get lost in the narrow streets of Galata, and climb the tower.
📞 Information & Reservations: +90 532 660 49 98
🌐 www.reviva.com.tr