The Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of the most prominent landmarks in the European side of the city of Istanbul and since it was built in 1348, the Galata Tower offers the best panoramic views of the city. Originally named the Tower of Christ, it was the focus of the Genoese fortifications of Medieval Genoese colony called Galata and the highpoint in its city walls. Most of the walls are long gone, but the great tower remains.

It was used as an observation tower and constituted an important part of their defense system. In addition, the 61-meters-tall Galata Tower was used as a fire observation tower till 1960s, and later it was restored and converted to a touristic attraction. It is being restored but still open to visit. Today, there is an elevator and two floors to walk up, as well as a restaurant on the top of the tower where you can enjoy a traditional Turkish night. The observation deck of the Galata tower is spectacular since it gives one the opportunity of 360 degrees of vision. From the deck, one can observe the highest points of Istanbul, the Asian Side, the Bosphorus and the bridge above it, the harbour for the cruise ships, the Golden Horn, the old Galata settlement, Hagia Sophia, the Suleiman's Mosque, Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, the Spice Market, the New Mosque.