galata tower, Istanbul

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Originally built by the Genoese community in 1348 at the apex of the Byzantine fortifications protecting the old district of Galata, the tower stands some 67 meters high – the observation deck is at almost 52 meters plus the ground level is already 35 meters above the sea. During the Ottoman times, the tower was used as a fire lookout over the city. Fires and storms damaged the tower over the years, but the tower was restored in the mid 1960’s and privatized. There are elevators taking you to the observation deck plus a restaurant just below. The tower is open from 0900-2000 every day – the restaurant is open until midnight. One of the best views of Istanbul can be enjoyed from up here, but everyone else seems to know this too. Sunsets can be especially spectacular, but the crowds of tourist will be just as amazing. To get here, it is either uphill from the Galata Bridge or a short ways from the Tünel end of the major pedestrian street of Ýþtikal Caddesi.

Visible from far, this tower built by Genovese in the 14Th century and still keeping its italian look, is now the place of a restaurant and, it seems, a "tourist trap".

Going up is expensive and the sights are... roofs and distance. We didn't risk to go up.

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The Galata Kulesi (Galata Tower) was built as the Christea Turris in 1348 when the city still was called Constantinople. It was part of the original fortification of this part of town.

In later centuries the 66.9 meters high tower was used as a watch tower to spot fires in the city. That did not prevent that in 1794 the tower was severely damaged by fires.
After restoration, during a storm in 1875, the conic roof on the top of the building was destroyed. The tower remained without its roof for the rest of the Ottoman period.

From 1965 to 1967 the original conical cap was restored and the wooden interior was replaced by a concrete structure. The tower was commercialized and opened to the public.
There are a restaurant and café on the upper floors which a great view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Entrance fee to the tower = 10 TL.

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Galata Tower is one of the landmarks of Istanbul and a very familiar name for football fans (Galatasaray team belongs to this side of Istanbul).
Going up by elevator or/and stairs, the deck offers a panoramic view of old Istanbul - you can even eat at the restaurant there, though I imagine the prices are above average.

Its total height is of 66,90 but the deck is situated at 52m above the land level.

The tower was built in 1348 and opened to public in 1967 after restoration works when the wooden interior was replaced with concrete.

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We were down hill and across the bridge in the Eminonu area when I took that nightime photo of the Galata Tower. The second is a zoom shot from the same area, while the third was taken near the base of the tower before we went up. When entering you pay to take an elevator up, there is NO OTHER OPTION. What they do not tell you is that there are several floors of STAIRS after you get off the elevator......
We saw several older couples pay, take the elevator and then were not able to climb the stairs...no signs make you aware of those nasty stairs, narrow and winding.
There is an explanation sign on the floor where the elevator lets you off and it give the history of the tower. But I don't think many people visit for the history, most go for the unparralled view of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the surrounding areas.
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/Beyoglu/GalataTower.html
There is also a restaurant on the upper floor where the sightseeing balcony is located. We decided NOT to have a coffee there because at all times the windows were blocked by the many sightseers on the balcony, why have windows if they have no view.

from the top of the Galata Tower, built in Byzantine times originally as a watchtower, you can take in the most beautiful, 360-degree views of Istanbul... both European and Asian sides. One look towards the Asian shore will make you understand what probably prompted Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, back in the 16th Century, to fly with artificial wings from the top of Tower to Uskudar.

Galata Tower is something of an Istanbul landmark. While I didn't pay the entrance fee (which I felt was much too steep), I did enjoy viewing the exterior and using the tower as an easy meeting spot (much better than the local meeting spot for Istanbul-dwellers: "Meet you at Burger King!"). The tower itself was actually built by Genoese living in Constantinople, and has a rich history of multiple uses and restorations.

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This 61m high tower is visible from all parts of the city and overlooks the Bosphorus and Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. It was built by the Genoese between 1348-9 but there had been a tower on the site since the 5th century BC.

The visitor can climb 143 stairs to the top floor viewing terrace or take the lift. There is a restaurant/cafe on the floor below. The views are stunning, even if it is pouring rain!