The tower which suffered damages due to earthquakes and fires from time to time underwent several renovations during the Ottoman Era. The tower that had fallen into ruins by 1960s was restored by Istanbul Municipality and opened for visitors. The Galata Tower was restored by the General Directorate of Foundations in 2020, and the reinforced concrete elements which were added later, and the cafeteria were removed, and the Tower reopened its gates to visitors as a museum.

In the Galata Tower museum, artefacts are displayed, reflecting all the historical periods of Istanbul that has been populated since prehistoric times and served as a capital for sixteen centuries for three great empires. One of the tallest buildings in Istanbul until the mid-20th century, the Galata Tower has one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Istanbul that you can enjoy on the top floor. The Tower is in the tentative list of Unesco World Heritage Sites along with the Genoese Towers in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Galata Tower – Photo by Nedim Vural

Now That You Are Here

You are at walking distance to Galata Mevlevi Lodge, the first Mevlevi lodge of Istanbul and the most important Ottoman work of art in Beyoğlu. Also, if you walk up from the Tower to İstiklal Avenue, you can visit Tarık Tunaya Cultural Center which is free for visitors.

To purchase your tickets for Galata Tower visit: https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/galatakulesi

Other cities you must visit near Istanbul.