Galata Kulesi ( Galata Tower ) In Istanbul

Galata Tower has been overlooking the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula in Istanbul for hundreds of years.
Galata Tower, one the most important symbols of istanbul city, has offered a 360 degree panoramic view of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn for over 650 years and is a unique spot for watching the famous sunset on the Golden Horn.
Situated in the spot where Galip Dede Street ends and Yuksek Kaldirim begins, the tower was a gift of the Genoese to the city.
In 1343, the Genoese who controlled the area at the time, started construction of the tower in order to watch the sea route to the city.
The phalos built by Byzantine Emperor Anastasius Oilozus in the 6th century, was extended and reached as high as 60 meters. Once used as a prison and dry foods storehouse, the tower, was also called Tore di Cristo (Tower of Jesus) by the Genoese.
After istanbul came under Ottoman rule, the Genoese, who stayed neutral during the siege, kept their commercial privileges, but the tower became an Ottoman property.
Galata Tower, used as a prison by the Ottomans, was a fire tower between 1717 and 1962. It has been damaged by earthquakes and fires many times, but restored each time. The formal restaurant on top of the tower, which is open to visitors today, features traditional cuisine as well as authentic Turkish dance performances.

Phone: (+90 212) 293 81 80
url: www.galatatower.net

Galata cafes
The Galata of Genoese merchants,
Greek craftsmen, roughneck tulumbacilar (firemen), Jewish bankers, and Turkish shopkeepers is once again becoming one of the most popular attractions of the city. Concept cafes and restaurants, especially near Galata Tower, draw many foreign visitors to the area.