The Galata Tower or the Tower of Christ is located on a hill, north to the Golden Horn with beautiful surroundings, narrow streets with numerous hidden bars and restaurants. It got its name from the place where it is located. Galata Tower was built by Emperor Anastasia in 528. It ranks among the oldest towers in the world. The tower was originally made of wood, and was destroyed during the fourth crusade. The tower is being rebuilt as Christ's Tower, and the people of Djenov contribute to that. The tower then represented the outer ramparts of the Genoese settlement, together with today's square located next to the tower.
The former wooden tower is now made of stone and has the shape of a circle with a height of 63 meters, while its wall thickness is 3.75m. The roof is conical in shape, and below the coupe you can see a terrace with an incredible view of Asia and Europe. A restaurant and a cafe are located here. The tower is an exceptional tourist attraction due to its size. From the Bosphorus you climb up the hill, and on the stairs you can often see street musicians who add to the great atmosphere of the old part of the former Constantinople.
The tower had different uses throughout its history. During the Ottoman period, the Galata tower was used as an observation post, as a prison, it also served as a shelter for Christian prisoners of war, and the tower got its present appearance in 1967.
Be sure, after visiting the tower, to go down to the Street under the tower and sit in one of the wonderful bars where they serve excellent ice creams and desserts, along with traditional Turkish coffee.
It is believed that the Galata tower brings good luck to young couples and if they step towards the Galata tower together, it is believed that they will enter the matrimonial waters. With the proviso that on that day they must not come to the Galata Tower with someone else, in order to preserve the magic of belief.
Ticket price for the Galata Tower
Regular price 130 TL
Opening hours of the Galata Tower
every day from 09:00h to 22:00h
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
Photo by Mehmet Bozgedik on Unsplash
