Galata Tower is Istanbul's medieval vertical, Genoese heritage on a hill above the Golden Horn. From its observation deck, a panorama of both continents opens: Europe and Asia, old city and new.

History

The current tower is Genoese, from 1348. Genoa controlled the Galata trading colony. It was called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). After 1453 it served as fire watchtower, prison, observatory.

Architecture

Cylindrical tower 67 meters tall, 16 meters diameter. Stone walls 4 meters thick. Conical roof — 1960s reconstruction. Inside 9 floors, elevator to 7th, then stairs.

Views

South: Historic peninsula with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace. North: Modern Istanbul, Beyoglu, Taksim. East: Asian shore. Best time — sunset.

Practical Information

Open 8:30-23:00. Tickets available online. Metro M2, Sishane station — 5 minutes walk. From Sultanahmet — 20-30 minutes via Galata Bridge.