Galata Tower is a medieval turreted tower built by the Genoese as a defensive structure in 1348 and since rebuilt several times. One such occasion was following an earthquake in 1509 which caused great damage to Galata Tower.

Known by the Genoese as the Tower of Christ (Christea Turris), over the centuries, Galata Tower has been used for several purposes. For example, in the sixteenth century it is said to have acted as a jail under Suleiman the Magnificent and an astrology observatory. There is also a story which says that an aviator by the name of Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi took off from the tower using artificial wings in 1638.

In 1794, Galata Tower was devastated by a fire. This was somewhat ironic given that it was serving as a fire watchtower at the time.

The latest main restoration of Galata Tower occurred in 1967. The main thing inside this tower is the restaurant, although people also go to the top for the views.