The Galata Tower was constructed by the Genoese in the mid-fourteenth century as part of the Galata Walls when the Galata quarter was a Genoese colony in the Byzantine Era. During the Ottoman Era, it was used as a dungeon before being converted into a fire lookout tower. The tower has undergone several renovations due to damages caused by earthquakes and fires throughout its history. In the 1960s, the tower was in a dilapidated state and was subsequently restored by the Istanbul Municipality, reopening to visitors. Recently, in 2020, the Galata Tower underwent further restoration by the General Directorate of Foundations. As part of this restoration, concrete elements that had been added later and the cafeteria were removed. The Tower has since reopened as a museum for visitors to enjoy. The Galata Tower museum exhibits artefacts from all periods of Istanbul's history. Istanbul has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was the capital of three great empires for about sixteen centuries. The Galata Tower was one of the tallest buildings in Istanbul until the mid-20th century and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city from its top floor. The Tower is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with other Genoese Towers in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Now That You Are Here… The Galata Mevlevi Lodge, which is the first Mevlevi Lodge in Istanbul and the most significant Ottoman monument in Beyoğlu, is within walking distance. Additionally, the Tarık Tunaya Cultural Centre is open to visitors free of charge when you walk up Istiklal Street from the Tower.