The Galata Tower is located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn and towers over Istanbul's Beyoglu district in the Asian part of the metropolis. As early as 507, Emperor Anastatius had a wooden lighthouse built on the site. In 1348, the 67-metre-high tower served as the main bastion of the Genoese fortifications and was rebuilt from stone. At that time it was called Christ Tower.
First flight took off from Galata Tower
After the Ottomans conquered the city of Istanbul, Galata Tower served as a dungeon in the 15th century, then as a fire station in the 16th century. The first flight in history took off from the Galata Tower. The Ottoman aerial pioneer Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi completed a flight over the adjacent district from the tower with wooden wings on his arms.
In 1967, the tower was completely restored and given its present appearance. Visitors can reach the high floors by elevator. At the top there is a café and a restaurant open between 9:00 and 00:00. Passing the restaurant, a viewing platform can be reached. From there, an impressive view over Istanbul and the bay of the Golden Horn presents itself.
For visitors who do not want to go to the restaurant, the tower is open daily between 9.00 and 20.00. The entrance fee and the ride to the top costs 11 Turkish Lira, which is about 4 Euros.
For those who want to avoid the queue at the elevator, there is the possibility to reserve a table in the restaurant in the evening. Beside a meal, there is also an entertaining show program. And by the way, you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the evening Istanbul!
Personal tip
Especially at night, the Galata Tower is particularly beautiful to look at.
