Galata Tower

"(EN) The Genoese rebuilt the current tower in 1348-49. When the Genoans captured Galata in the 1300s, they saw that most of the walls and the first tower were destroyed by the Byzantines. They rebuilt the Galata Tower, and laid the foundations of today's tower. The tower, called "Christea Turris" (Tower of Christ) after a cross on its cone, gradually became the symbol of this small Latin society. After the conquest of Istanbul, the Galata Tower was left to the Ottomans by giving the key to Fatih Sultan Mehmet on the morning of 29 May 1453. Back in the 14th century, when the Tower was reconstructed, the Galata Kulesi (Name in Turkish) was the tallest building in the city. During the Ottoman empire, the tower functioned as a jail, observatory house, and watchtower. (ES) Los genoveses reconstruyeron la torre actual en 1348-49. Cuando estos capturaron Gálata en el siglo XIII, vieron que la mayoría de las murallas y la primera torre fueron destruidas por los bizantinos. Reconstruyeron la Torre de Gálata y pusieron los cimientos de la torre actual. La torre, llamada "Christea Turris" (Torre de Cristo) por una cruz en su cono, poco a poco se convirtió en el símbolo de esta pequeña sociedad latina. Después de la conquista de Estambul, la Torre de Gálata quedó en manos de los otomanos al entregarle la llave a Fatih Sultan Mehmet en la mañana del 29 de mayo de 1453. Allá por el siglo XIV, cuando la Torre fue reconstruida, la Galata Kulesi (nombre en turco) era el edificio más alto de la ciudad. Durante el Imperio Otomano, la torre funcionó como cárcel, observatorio y torre de vigilancia. "

"If you want to admire the skyline of Istanbul, there is no better place than the Galata Tower. The only problem is that everyone else agrees: the lines can be long and the wait can be at least an hour. Dominating the skyline at over 62 meters high, this tower has a 360-degree observation deck, so you can see almost all of Istanbul. And the purpose of the tower was to monitor the harbor and detect fires in the city. The Galata Tower is one of the oldest towers in the world, as the first tower was erected on this site in the 6th century. There is also an interesting legend about Galata Tower: the first person who wanted to prove that humans can fly made wooden wings and performed his first test right from the top of the tower. He succeeded in flying to the Asian side, but his attempt angered the Sultan. Unlike many of the buildings around it, the tower was built in the Romanesque style, making it unique and easily noticeable in Istanbul's more Islamic-inspired skyline. You can find cute places for breakfast around the Galata Tower or you can explore the street for typical Turkish food. 💶 Paid admission"

"The Galata Tower is an iconic medieval landmark situated in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. Constructed in the 14th century by the Genoese, this cylindrical stone tower has served various purposes throughout history, including as a watchtower and a fire observation point. Rising prominently above the skyline, the tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. Its observation deck attracts visitors seeking breathtaking vistas of Istanbul's historic and modern landscapes. The Galata Tower remains a symbol of the city, showcasing both its historical significance and providing a unique perspective on its ever-evolving urban fabric."