The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata district of Istanbul, on the north shore of the Golden Horn. It was built by the Genoese, who held a trading colony here that was separate from the Byzantine city of Constantinople, as a high point in their fortifications. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453 the tower was used for various purposes, including as a prison and later as a watchtower to spot fires in the wooden city. Its conical roof and balcony were altered in different repairs, and it has been restored several times. Today it is a museum and a popular lookout, offering views across the Bosphorus and the old city.
Before and after
- from October 1347 to January 1351The Black Death reaches Europe
- 1348Construction of Karlštejn Castle
- 1348Construction of Wenceslas Square
- 7 April 1348Founding of Charles University
- 1349Construction of Galata Tower
- 14th centuryPublication of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms
- from 1350 to 1355War of the Straits
- 1353Publication of The Decameron
- from 1354 to 1683Ottoman Wars in Europe
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 691 CEConstruction of Dome of the Rock
- 1066Construction of Tower of London
- 1342Construction of Palace of Westminster
- from 1368 to 1644Ming dynasty
- from 1370 to 1789Construction of Bastille
- from 1438 to 1533Inca Empire
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 14th century.