Located in the heart of Istanbul on the European side, in the Beyoğlu district, Galata Tower stands majestically on the city’s horizon. It offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and breathtaking views.
This iconic tower, with its distinctive conical roof and strong stone walls, invites visitors on a journey through the layers of Istanbul’s rich cultural history.
When you step onto the observation deck, over 51 meters above sea level, you are greeted by a unique 360-degree panorama of Istanbul’s dazzling and maritime cityscape, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present.
The height of Galata Tower may be misleading, as it appears to rise only slightly above the surrounding buildings (35 meters from ground level). However, its position on a hill means its total height above sea level reaches 66.9 meters.
Galata Tower exudes powerful energy, dominating its surroundings with commanding presence. Perhaps the tower’s centuries-long insight into world history explains why it often feels like more than just a mere tower.
While newer, modern observation towers (like İstanbul Sapphire and Küçük Çamlıca TV-Radyo Kulesi) offer wide and impressive views of Istanbul, the experience at Galata Tower feels intimate and heartfelt. Here, there are no glass walls to dull the connection – you truly sense the turquoise winds of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the Marmara Sea. You can breathe in Istanbul and its history to the fullest.
History
The Galata Tower was first constructed by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 507–508 CE. This initial structure, called “Megalos Pyrgos” (meaning Great Tower), stood on the north side of the Golden Horn, in the Galata fortress. However, this original tower should not be confused with the current Galata Tower, located at the northernmost and highest point of the former Galata fortress.
A Genoese colony was established in Galata in 1267, and as the colony expanded, the Galata Tower was built in 1348. Originally known as the Tower of Christ (Christea Turris), it laid the foundation for the modern Galata Tower.
After the conquest of Constantinople, the Galata Tower was handed over to the Ottomans, with the key presented to Sultan Mehmed II on the morning of May 29, 1453. The tower was subsequently repaired and restored under various Ottoman sultans. It has also undergone numerous renovations during the Turkish Republic, most recently in 2020. However, recently, the tower appeared to be undergoing roof repairs.
On a personal note, my history with Galata Tower includes its former restaurant, which I visited in 2014. At that time, on my first visit to the Galata Tower, I thought it would be a fantastic and unique wedding venue, with its romantic and historical charm. Unfortunately, hosting events is no longer possible in the present-day Galata Tower.
Galata Tower and the 1453 Conquest of Constantinople
For centuries, the Galata Tower has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, including the world-changing conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453.
Although it sounds unbelievable when told, during the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, their warships were transported overland from behind the Galata Tower from the Bosphorus to the Golden Horn. This remarkable feat of engineering was organized by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) and was part of his strategy to overcome Constantinople’s strong Byzantine defenses.
This extraordinary and demanding operation was necessary because it was impossible to bypass the heavy chain placed across the entrance to the Golden Horn inlet by the Byzantine defenders, which prevented Mehmed II’s warships from entering the Golden Horn. Thus, the Ottoman warships were moved on greased logs over a distance of approximately 3 kilometers, starting from behind the Galata Tower and ending at the Golden Horn. This created an element of surprise in the course of the war.
This bold and innovative strategy gave the Ottomans a critical advantage and positioned their fleet in the waters of the Golden Horn from which they could launch a surprise attack against the city’s less fortified walls.
The successful execution of this plan was a key factor in the final fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453, marking a significant milestone in world history and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
A diverse past
Over its long history, Galata Tower has seen both triumph and tragedy. It was damaged by an earthquake in the 1500s and suffered several fires over the centuries. In the past, the tower has served various purposes, including as a watchtower, prison, observatory, and fire lookout point.
One of Galata Tower’s most fascinating stories is that of Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi, an Ottoman scientist, inventor, chemist, astronomer, physician, musician, and poet. He is said to have been one of the first humans to achieve flight with bird-like wings that he designed and developed. In 1632, Ahmed “Hezârfen” (a man who knows everything) jumped from Galata Tower, flying across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar´s Doğancılar on the Asian side.
Galata Tower today: a museum
Since 2020, Galata Tower has operated as a museum, officially named the Galata Tower Museum (Galata Kulesi Müzesi).
Galata Tower remains a beloved symbol of Istanbul, attracting visitors from around the world to marvel at its architectural beauty and panoramic views. Be prepared for queues and waiting times, but your patience is rewarded. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, photography lover, or curious traveller, Galata Tower offers an unforgettable and unique window into the soul of enchanting Istanbul.
More information here
Art at Galata Tower
Galata Tower often serves as a platform for light art installations. The following video showcases a light artwork from the Istanbul Youth Festival (Istanbul Gençlik Festivali) in 2018.