Galata Tower in Istanbul – A Tower of Power | sultanahmet1.com
Galata Tower in Beyoglu Istanbul Turkey
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul provides a panoramic view of the old town. This oldest and most important monument was built in 507 by Emperor Anastasius using wood and named Lighthouse Tower. However, later in 1348, this tower was rebuilt at the highest point of the citadel of Galata district of Istanbul by Genoese colonists in 1348 as the ’Tower of Christ’ (Christea Turris in Latin).
This 66.90 meter tall tower happens to be one of the distinguishing landmarks of Istanbul. It is 35 meters above the level of the sea and has an internal diameter of 8.95 meters and an external diameter of 16.45 meters (at the base). If you suffer from fear of heights (acrophobia), then you should not consider going to this place. The balcony encircling the row of windows is very narrow and just two persons can walk at a time.
During the Byzantine period, this tower was named ‘Megalos Pyrgos’ (The Great Tower) while the Ottomans called this tower as ‘Hezarfen Tower’ named after Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi. During the 17 century, Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi became the first man in the history to fly when he glided from the tower top to the slopes of Scutari (Chrysopolis) using wooden wings. He jumped from the tower overflowing the Bosphorus and landed at Uskudar after covering a distance of six kilometers.
This tower suffered extensive damages in the fire of Galata in 1832. In 1875, the conic roof top of this tower was destroyed in a storm and the tower was without its any roof top in the Ottoman era. The restoration work of the tower was undertaken by Mahmut the Second and the tower was used as a sign tower.
Later in 1967, the tower and its conical cap were again restored. A concrete structure replaced the wooden interiors of the tower and it was open for general public. The tower became a famous tourist spot of Istanbul. It got its name from Galata, the historical province of Istanbul.
The outdoor balcony on the top floor of Galata Tower provides an enchanting and an excellent view over Istanbul’s rooftops and even across the Golden Cross as well. During the Ottoman period, the tower functioned as a fire lookout tower. However, now, the upper floors of this tower are used as a restaurant, a cafe and a night club for holding Turkish shows.
You can either choose to take a lift to reach the top floor of the tower or simply walk down the hill from Istiklal Caddesi’s end. Also, you may walk from the Galata Bridge side to the tower uphill. There is a nominal fee for visiting the observation deck of the tower, nearly $7 USD.
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