Istanbul Galata Tower

Built in 528, the building was built as a lighthouse, which dominated the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, but was also used as a term dungeon.

According to a legend; If the Romans, for the first time together, come to the Galata Tower, a man and a woman marry each other. But if one of the couples went to the Galata Tower before, it is believed that this amulet would be broken.

Galata Tower Informations

It has a height of 69,90 meters. The walls have a thickness of 3.75 meters and the inner diameter of the tower is 8,95 and the outer diameter is 16,45 meters. The body is constructed using untreated rubble and the weight of the building is estimated to be about 10 thousand tons.

The Galata Tower was originally built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius Oilosuz. When it was completed in 528, the wooden structure was used as a lighthouse tower. However, the fire disaster in the region has made the structure completely unusable.

The Galata Tower was originally built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius Oilosuz. When it was completed in 528, the wooden structure was used as a lighthouse tower. However, the fire disaster in the region has made the structure completely unusable.

In 1348, the Genoese built the tower again using stone. The iconic structure, which was used for a long time defense, began to serve for different purposes after the city passed to Ottoman rule in 1453. Galata was transformed to imprison the shipyard prisoners in the 16th century.

The building, which is always crowded, was acquired in 1967 by tourism. Many shopping and eating and drinking venues have been opened around the tower, which is a popular destination for local and foreign travelers.

The restaurant on the 9th floor of the Galata Tower, which is an elevator lift, consists of unique tastes of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.

Galata Tower Entrance Fee and Opening Hours 2026

Entrance fee is 5 TL for students, 10 TL for adults and 25 TL for foreigners. The museum card does not pass.

Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 20:30