Today, Galata Tower which is a museum is an important historical structure that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Galata Tower, which attracts attention with its architecture, bears the traces of Byzantine and Genoese architecture.
Galata Tower, located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul and named after the Galata neighborhood, was built in 1348 by the Genoese, who were allied with the Byzantine Empire. After the war between the Genoese and the Byzantines, the control of the tower was left to the Genoese. With the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the tower was also handed over to the Ottomans.
The purpose of this historical tower at the time of its construction has changed over time. There have been times when it served as a place where prisoners of war were held or as a supply warehouse, as well as being used as a fire observation point for the Mehterhane Ocağı.
The cylindrical body of the tower is built with solid stone walls. The conical roof on top of Galata Tower, which reaches a height of 62.59 meters, is quite striking. The terrace section on the top of the tower is an ideal point to enjoy the view.
The architecture of Galata Tower was designed for both defensive purposes and aesthetic concerns. The materials used in the construction of the tower are stones known for their durability, and thanks to this, it has managed to stand upright for centuries. The historical Galata Tower, which dominates the panoramic Istanbul view, is an important part of the rich cultural heritage.