The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, soaring above the Galata/Karaköy district with a commanding presence on the city’s skyline. The current structure was built by the Genoese in 1348 as the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) and was originally the tallest structure in the area, standing at approximately 67 meters (219.5 ft).
Its history traces back even further, as it replaced an earlier Byzantine wooden watchtower from the 6th century. Over the centuries, it has served numerous vital functions under both Genoese and Ottoman rule, including a lighthouse, a dungeon, an observatory, and most notably, a crucial fire-watch tower due to its strategic vantage point over the largely wooden city.
The tower is also legendary as the supposed launch point for Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi’s 17th-century attempt to fly across the Bosphorus using artificial wings.
After various repairs following fires and earthquakes, the tower was restored in the 1960s and now operates as a museum and a premier 360-degree observation deck. Visitors can ascend to the top to take in breathtaking panoramic views spanning the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the historic Sultanahmet peninsula.
