Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the symbols of Istanbul and it is situated in Galata, on a hill seeing the historical peninsula of Istanbul from A-Z. The origin of the Galata Tower goes back to the fifth century CE when Byzantines built a wooden tower named Magalos Pyrgos (Great Tower) in order to control the city of Constantinople and the Golden Horn. Due to the fires, earthquakes, and the Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusaders in 1204 the wooden tower was completely destroyed.

In 1348, the Genoese community living in the district of Pera (Galata) built today’s Galata Tower and named it Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). Galata Tower is a cylindrical tower made from stone and it is approximately 67 meters long.

Galata Tower’s interiors reflect the influence of the many empires that once ruled the city, offering visitors a journey through Istanbul’s rich history along with breathtaking views. Despite undergoing several restorations, the tower has preserved its iconic conical roof and Romanesque details.

Galata Tower was built in a rubble stone mesh system. The exterior is stone masonry. Since the 16-line eulogy in the inscription at the entrance was written during the reign of 2. Mahmut, it is thought that it was written in his name.

The round arched window above the door was the watchtower of the soldiers. It is a nine-storey building after the high ground floor. The windows on its cylindrical body are round arched with brickwork. The development of the last two floors just below the cone roof is emphasized by the profiled moldings surrounding the cylindrical body. The development of the last two floors just below the cone roof is emphasized by the profiled moldings surrounding the cylindrical body. There is a meshed viewing balcony with metal ornaments that wraps the floor under the cone roof. On the lower floor, there are round arches resting on deep niches and windows with round arches made of bricks.