Galata Tower in Istanbul 2024 (The Best Information)

Galata Tower is one of the most famous sights of Istanbul. It is located on the European side of the city, in the Beyoglu district, at the end of Istiklal street.

The tower can be seen from almost every point of the city. Its dimensions are incredible: Its height from base to top is 61 meters, and its circumference is 9 meters. If we talk about the object’s height relative to sea level, this figure is even more impressive and is 140 meters. This is a historical monument and a magnificent observation deck with beautiful views of Istanbul and its surroundings.

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Galata Tower History

The history of the Galata Tower dates back to 507 AD. At that time, all power in the country belonged to the Byzantine emperor Justinian. The building was initially made of wood, as stone construction didn’t develop during this period.

A century later, Byzantium bowed to the Turkish invaders, and the Ottomans equipped the this tower according to their needs. Initially, a sign was placed at the top, helping merchant ships not deviate from their intended course. Later, an observatory was set in the tower walls. Authorities later gave it the role of a fire tower, and officers showed the lower floor to prison cells for inmates.

The observation terrace is the primary purpose of the modern tower, which is a museum object today. From a bird’s eye view, magnificent views of the city and its surroundings open up. 143 steps and an elevator lead to the top.

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How to Get to Galata Tower?

This vital tower locates at the end of Istiklal Street. The tower is open to tourists:

• During the summer period (1 April – 1 November), 10:00 – 00:00. Ticket offices close at 23:30

In winter, from 10:00 to 20:00. Ticket sales offices close at 19:30. As mentioned before, this tower is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the Beyoglu district, in the Galata district. You can reach it in several ways. The easiest is from Taksim Square, where you can get to the tower on foot. For this, you need to go to Taksim in any way convenient for you, or if you are already here, there are two options:

1. Walk along Istiklal Street from Taksim Square to the opposite end, and there is a tower about 400 meters from there.
2. The second way is to take the famous red tram that will drop you off at the end of the street from Taksim Square along Istiklal and then walk.