Story of Galata Tower

A unique silhouette comes to mind when it comes to Istanbul. The contribution of the countless buildings making up this silhouette to Istanbul’s history and cultural heritage is of course priceless. Today, we are going to talk about Galata Tower, with its beauty and structure resisting the years, admired by all visitors, and the real Istanbul that those entering the tower are immersed in.

Galata Tower is a historical monument serving countless services as one of Istanbul’s precious buildings for centuries. The tower is also part of the unique Istanbul landscape. So where did this adventure begin and how did it continue? All you want to know is in our article!

Legends, unbelievable stories, and fascinating historical events about the Galata Tower abound. Getting to know Galata Tower, acquiring a completely different meaning for everyone hearing about it, is only possible by knowing the rumors. Certain stories are beautifully crafted by people’s imagination, while in others you may be struck by reality. Especially looking at the place where love finds its representation, Galata Tower is almost the sweetheart of Istanbul!

About Galata Tower

Many stories are told about the Galata Tower in countless works. Throughout history, used for important services thanks to its superiority among buildings and its dominance over Istanbul thanks to its location, the tower has of course influenced the fate of many people and even countries and governments.

Countless works, such as İhsan Oktay Anar’s Puslu Kıtalar Atlası (The Atlas of Misty Continents), include stories of Galata Tower spreading from one language to another. From the idea that couples climbing the tower together will soon get married to the idea that couples willing to climb the tower but destined to be separated will be prevented from doing so, love visions are among the indispensable beliefs of Galata.

Accompanying the most impressive stories and historical events since the Roman Period, Galata Tower is the favorite of local and foreign tourists with its appearance, history, and cultural value.

For anyone visiting Istanbul, Galata is a must. Because the living history fascinates the visitors not only with its existence but also with the beauties and treats of its neighborhood. The Galata Tower is one of the unforgettable memories of every visitor to Istanbul, revealing its unseen beauty from nowhere!

Legend of Galata Tower

The fact that Galata Tower has been a part of people’s lives for centuries, along with its legendary historical and cultural assets, has of course brought legends alongside. Among these legends, as you know, the ones about love have a completely different place… Because associating the value and power of love with the love of the Galata Tower is a very interesting situation. Naturally, we were intrigued by the legend of the Galata Tower, a legend that has been passed down from generation to generation over the years!

As in every story where love is mixed with longing, the longing in the love of the Galata Tower for the Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower) fascinates the listeners. According to legend, Galata is madly in love with the Maiden’s Tower. Such a love that almost loving the Maiden’s Tower is the biggest reason for Galata to stand against time. Galata’s love brings the seas to the point of overflowing every time gazing at her.

As legend has it, the Bosphorus prevents these two lovers from coming together. Each love has an enemy. Who do you think came to the rescue when the huge Galata Tower started writing letters about its love? Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi!

At the end of the legend, Galata gives the letters declaring her love to Hezarfen, climbing the tower to fly. In this way, the Maiden’s Tower becomes aware of this love. The Maiden’s Tower is happy to learn a mutual feeling, and the two lovers together represent the centuries of happiness of the landscape, which gives life to Istanbul.

For anyone watching Istanbul from Galata Tower, this view, which is the sight of love for everyone, is the Maiden’s Tower for Galata Tower.

History of Galata Tower

The historical adventure of Galata Tower begins in 528. Builtiin the form of a lighthouse tower as one of the works of Byzantine architecture, the tower underwent many restorations and arrangements after its first construction, and the service areas have always changed over time.

The Galata Tower, taking its present form after the hardware restoration carried out by the Genoese in 1348, is a 674-year-old structure. As you can imagine, the tower has survived countless services and uses over the centuries, and continues to witness the history of the city.

The history and adventure of the Galata Tower, whose structural construction was completed by the Genoese in a style called Romanesque architecture, extends over a period involving many wars, peace, destruction, and existence. The fact that the tower, stripped from its original form in 528 with the masonry stone modeling of the Genoese and taking its unique beauty today, is included in the cultural heritage category is another indicator of Istanbul being home to priceless values.

Originally built as a lighthouse, Galata Tower has been used for many services since then. Either as a shelter for prisoners of war or as an observatory during the reign of Sultan Murad…

When the year 1717, the Galata Tower had been serving as a fire tower for centuries. However, his bad luck did not smile on him either. The Galata Tower has been through a lot. Damaged by major fires, its body was repaired, only to have its roof toppled in a storm. However, Istanbul never gave up on it, and each time it was destroyed, unprecedented construction work was carried out to rebuild it. As a result, the Galata Tower became what it is today.

Where is the Galata Tower?

As interesting for its visitors as the buildings and socio-cultural areas around it, Galata Tower is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul.

Named after the neighborhood where it is located, Galata is in an easily accessible location on the upper side of Karaköy. Its dominance over Istanbul is made possible by this central location. If interested in visiting, just ask a passerby in Beyoglu, but don’t forget to look for the address!

Who Built Galata Tower?

The Galata Tower, the owner of a historical adventure extending over centuries from the Byzantine Empire to the Ottoman Empire, was first built as a lighthouse.

Built-in 528 by order of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius, the tower has been renovated with countless structural, and architectural works throughout history. The most important structural restoration was carried out by the Genoese in 1348, creating today’s silhouette.

When was the Galata Tower Built?

Serving countless roles for centuries, Galata Tower is also a structure witnessing wars and destructions throughout history.

The tower was first built in 528 and has undergone many structural restorations and renovations. However, thanks to the reconstruction work in 1348, when the Genoese gave it its present shape with the masonry stone model, Galata has been standing as a part of the unique landscape for 674 years!

What’s Inside the Galata Tower?

The first thing to know to go on a trip to Galata Tower is what will welcome you once arriving at the tower. We have gathered everything you need to know about it. First, let’s talk about the famous Galata Museum.

Inside the tower are countless artifacts from prehistoric times symbolizing these lands where different communities lived and different empires were founded. Afterward, an interactive model where you can explore the important points of Istanbul will welcome you.

Last but not least, embrace the history of Galata Tower with a video telling the story of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi. After this embrace, you can leave yourself with a unique view of the terrace!

Galata Tower Entrance Fee in 2022

Since the way to discover Istanbul is through a visit to the Galata Tower, one of the most important pieces of information is how much the entrance fees of the Galata Tower are.

Let’s tell you right away; the entrance fee for Galata Tower in 2022 is 100 TL. However, teachers, people aged 18 and under, and people aged 65 and over can visit for free.

Since Galata Tower is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the tower can also be visited with a Museum Card. For 2022, the Museum Card fee is 60 TL. If pay 60 TL for a one-time Museum Card, you can visit different museums and archaeological sites affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for a year.

Galata Tower Visiting Hours in 2022

Galata Tower is open to visitors every day, but visiting hours are set from time to time.

In 2022, the visiting hours for Galata Tower are 10.00-19.00 between November 1 and April 1, and 08.30-00.00 between April 1 and November 1. Box office closing time is 23.00.

Just in case you suffer from crowds, here’s a tip: the early morning hours are relatively less crowded for visiting Galata Tower. You’d better plan accordingly. Before heading to Galata Tower though, be sure to check the current visiting hours and entrance fees!

How to Get to the Galata Tower?

Many alternatives such as metro and buses are among the means of transportation used for visiting Galata Tower. In addition, transportation to the region is also possible by your vehicle.

It is quite easy to reach Karaköy via the Kadıköy-Beyoğlu tunnel line and walk 5 minutes to the tower. Moreover, all Kadıköy buses passing through your neighborhood can take you to Karaköy Pier and you can easily reach the tower by walking a short distance from there.

We have gathered everything you need to know for your Galata Tower trip from start to finish. It’s time to create a legend in the world of digital finance, just like Galata!

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