Istanbul has access to the best views from anywhere in the city, with the Galata Tower being one of the most visited attractions. Come to know the oldest tower in Istanbul, discover its history and how to get to it to contemplate the landscape.
Also known as Galata Kulesi, the Galata Tower is located in the Karakoy neighborhood and was built in 528, making it one of the oldest in the world.
Its construction was due to the fact that sailors passing through the Bosphorus Strait needed a lighthouse to guide them. In 1204 the tower was destroyed due to numerous looting and fires and only in 1348 was it built as it is known today, but with the name “Tower of Christ”. It was 67 meters high, had 9 floors and walls almost 4 meters thick.
Over the years, this impressive construction functioned as a watchtower, prison, and even had an astronomical observatory. Over time, the Galata Tower underwent restorations due to damage caused by both storms and fires.
Finally, in the 1960s, the tower was repaired, replacing the wooden interior with concrete. In this way, the Galata Tower came to have its current appearance.
Without a doubt, the main attraction of the Galata Tower is its incredible viewpoint. Climbing its almost 70 meters high, you reach the top of the building from where you have a 360-degree view of the city.
To get to the top you must take an elevator to the seventh floor and then climb the rest by stairs. But for those who dare, the climb to the viewpoint can be done entirely by stairs.
Once there, you can see the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara and even the Beyoğlu neighborhood that is next to the tower.
After contemplating the landscape, the tower has a bar and a restaurant so that in addition to enjoying a Turkish dish, you can continue enjoying the view of the city. During the night this place offers shows with typical Istanbul activities.
The Galata Tower is located on the western side of Istanbul and is open to the public every day. This great attraction has several options to get to it, one option is by tram, from Karaköy station. Once there, there is a railway that goes up the steep hill in the direction of the tower.
There is also the option of getting to the tower by metro, from the Şişhane station, which is very close, so you can walk.
In the case of staying on the other side of the Galata Bridge, you can go by tram or cross it on foot. In this way, you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Bosphorus since that bridge is another great attraction of the city.
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