Galata Tower

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Galata Tower

The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) is one of the oldest towers in the world. From its highest part you get one of the best views of Istanbul.

The first Galata Tower was built in wood in 528 to serve as a lighthouse. In 1348 it was rebuilt by the Genoese with the name Tower of Christ.

During the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the tower was occupied by Sultan Mehmet II.

Dimensions

Its height, of only 61 meters, is not what most calls the attention of its measures. What is surprising is the diameter and width of the walls.

The diameter of the tower at the base is 16.5 meters on the outside and 8.9 meters on the inside. This difference indicates that the walls have a width of 3.7 meters at the base.

The width of the walls decreases as it ascends to the summit, reaching up to the few 20 centimeters in the upper part.