Istanbul: Galata Tower
Galata Tower is a striking feature against the Istanbul skyline. It is fairly tall compared to the buildings around it, which makes it very noticeable even when looking at pictures of Istanbul on the internet. While in Istanbul, we strolled past this marvelous tower, and I was immediately fascinated with this historic site in the middle of a bustling, modern-world city.
So obviously, I started to do some research on this tower. What I learned was incredibly intriguing. The tower was originally built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. However, this tower was destroyed during one of the crusades. Another tower was built in its place in 1348, making it the tallest building in ancient Constantinople. Since then, it has been a prison, fire watchtower, and now serves as a museum and lookout over Istanbul.
The observation deck goes all the way around the top of the tower, so you can see all sides of Istanbul from the top. This is obviously a very popular site, so the line was quite long. Due to the fact that we only had two full days in Istanbul, we decided to skip out on going to the top and simply explore the area around the tower. However, if you have more time to spend in Istanbul, I would absolutely recommend you go to the top- I have heard phenomenal things!
I would absolutely say this site is worth the visit even if you decide not to go to the top! It is smack in the middle of the action, making it easy to make a quick stop on your way to some of the other big sites. You will truly be in awe standing next to it that something so tall could be built without modern machinery! I know I was amazed! Be sure to check out the Galata Tower next time you find yourself in Istanbul!
To our friends in the West, keep looking East!
Sydney Sawyer
Sydney Sawyer is a joy all-around! Although she grew up moving all over the states, she claims Huntsville, Alabama as home. She left Rocket City to study accounting at Mississippi College, which consists of lots of running, studying, and goofing off with her friends. Although Syd has only taken two accounting classes, she’s often given the label “beloved resident accountant and human calculator.” Some of Syd’s favorite things include hiking moderately-sized mountains, reading an obscene number of books, and blaring music in her car that is lovingly referred to as “Ethel.” Being Syd’s friend comes along with watching lots of documentaries, eating fajitas every other night, and giggling over the silliest of things. To know her is to love her!