Galata Tower

Galata Tower in Istanbul

Galata Tower has been one of the landmarks of Istanbul for centuries. Built in the 14th century by Genoese merchants to replace an older Byzantine tower, the tower is around 67 meters tall and has a diameter of 16.5 meters. Galata Tower was originally named “Christea Turris” or Tower of Christ. During the 18th century Ottomans used it as an observation tower, especially for fires which could easily spread in neighbourhoods of traditional wooden houses. Today, Galata Tower is a major tourist attraction offering one of the best views of the old city looking over the entrance of the Golden Horn.


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