Nathan's Insights

Monday 05 June 2023
Highlights: Roaming around Istanbul, Climbing Galata Tower, Spice Market

Another an excellent breakfast at the hotel I was ready to see more of Istanbul. I had decided to walk to Galata Tower, both for its history but also to visit the European side of Istanbul with the added bonus of just roaming around and taking in the city.

Galata Tower was located roughly 30 minute walk away according to my map but in reality with side ‘quests’ and turning down wrong streets it took me an hour. Knowing exactly how to get there and not having welcomed distractions 25 minutes would have been right.

To get to Galata Tower I had to cross Galata Bridge with the fisherman out trying to catch fish from the Bosporus Strait and sell to local restaurants, that’s as fresh as you can get.

Around 1267 during the Byzantine Empire era the Tower was built in Romanesque style and was called the Tower of Christ. It was a watchtower and part of the Galata Wall. When built it was the highest building in the city at 66.9 metres and was located on an elevated section of the city.

After the Ottoman Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the walls were pulled down but the Galata Tower remained has a prison. It served various other roles including as a look out for fires over the years.

These days it’s nine stories are a museum and an observation post to see the amazing city of Istanbul. The cost to enter is 350 Lira, or with audio guide 410 Lira.

After taking in the views, I headed back to Asian side of Istanbul. I found the city much easier to enjoy this time without election campaigning when I was last here. I spend a little time visiting the Spice Bazaar again and almost bought Turkish Delights for my return home. I still might tomorrow on my last full day, but instead do this at the Grand Bazaar.

There are some many little streets, historic looking building, and vendors selling items ranging from carpets, to Turkish Delights, to meals, to electronics. This historic area really buzzes during the day.