One of the highest and oldest tower in Istanbul, Galata Tower is a symbol of the city overlooking Beyoğlu and Karaköy. The tower has an amazing view especially at nights with its colorful lights seen from everywhere in the place.

Although, the history of Galata Tower has not been clearly known, it was known to be constructed during the time of Byzantine Emperor Justinian reign around 507 CE.  Galata Tower was called by the Genoese as the Christea Turris or the Tower of Christ; however, the Byzantines called it as the Megalos Pyrgos or the Great Tower.

The tower took its current shape in Genoese period when Genoese colonies inhabited Galata neighborhood which served as economic and trade posts service in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Galata Tower damaged heavily in the year of 1509 with a great earthquake. It was later then renovated by Hayreddin who was a famous Ottoman architect, also constructed renowned Sultan Bayezid II complex in Edirne. In Ottoman time, Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent used the tower for holding prisoners sentenced to work at the Kasımpaşa Naval Dockyard. Later then, an observatory was added at its top by the astrologer Takiyuddin Efendi at the end of 16^th Century, but it was turned into a prison again by Sultan Murat III during his reign. In the 17^th Century, the tower was briefly used by the Ottoman military band called Mehter Band; later then it became a fire observatory due to its perfect bird eye view.

Galata Tower faced two fires in 18^th and 19^th Centuries with destructive effects, and was restored by the emperors of the era.

Today, Galata Tower is a very popular tourist attraction in which you can go to the top and see the spectacular 360-degree view of Istanbul. You can use the elevator to go to the 7^th floor, then you should climb the stairs to reach the top.

By walking down through Istiklal Street, you can reach Galata Tower at the end. As many people visit Galata Tower, you may visit the tower in the morning at opening hours, or in the evening before closing in order not to wait in a long queue.

With its amazing view, Galata Tower should be definitely in your list if you would like to discover Istanbul!