GALATA ANTIQUE HOTEL ISTANBUL
top istanbul attractions
10. Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi)
IThis small and attractive tower is on a tiny island at the entrance to Istanbul's harbor. The tower is considered as one of the most romantic symbols of Istanbul. The first tower was constructed in the 12th century, used as a watchtower and a lighthouse, it has been preserved in its 19th Century appearance. It serves as a landmark for ships entering the Bosphorus and will be used for touristic purposes.
Western sources have erroneously attributed the tower to Leander, who drowned as he was trying to swim to his lover Hero. Actually, this mythological story took place in the Dardanelles.
According to another story, an emperor once dreamt that his daughter was going to die because of a snake bite and settled the girl in this tower to ensure her safety. Nevertheless, the tragedy could not be averted and the girl was bitten by a snake hidden in a fruit basket.
Getting there from hotel: Take nostalgic tramway just in front of hotel to Taksim Square (or you may walk through Istiklal Street -15 min. walk). From Taksim Sqaure take the bus to "Ortakoy". When you get off at Ortakoy, you may find the ferry boats to Maiden's Tower on right of the Ortakoy Mosque.
Its unique architectural monument reflects the imperial art and culture of the last Ottoman period. It displays neo-classical influences in its façade and Turkish and Moroccan influences in its interior decoration, while its plan resembles that of the traditional Turkish House. together with the basement, consists a three-storey building, containing six salons and twenty-four rooms.
Open: 09:30 - 16:30, closed on Mondays and Thursdays
Getting there from hotel: Take tunel train just in front of hotel to Karakoy. From Karakoy take the street car(tramway) to "Eminonu" stop (or you may walk through the bridge it is an enjoyable and a short walk) When you arrive to Eminonu you will see the ferry boats to Beylerbeyi at the dock.
İstanbul Modern, the first private museum devoted to modern and contemporary art in Turkey, was founded in 2004 in order to promote wider enjoyment and understanding of modern art among the public. Located beside the Bosporus, the strait separating Europe from Asia, the museum brings together the İstanbul cityscape with the production of arts ranging from painting, sculpture, and photography to video and new media. The museum aims to collect, preserve, and exhibit modern and contemporary art and to provide a venue fostering the integration of the visual arts with the rich cultural spectrum of Turkey.
Open: 10:00 - 18:00, closed on Mondays (free on Thursdays)
Getting there from hotel: Take tunel train just in front of hotel to Karakoy. From Karakoy, the museum is about 10 - 15 minutes walking distance to the east.
Strongly Recommended..When you get off from tunel, go across the road and you will find Karakoy Gulluoglu at entrance level of a big closed parking garage (if lost, ask anyone, they will know) and taste the most delicious "baklava" turkish desert with cream.
Address: Mesrutiyet Cd. No: 119 34430 Tunel - Beyoglu/Istanbul/TURKEY Tel: +90 212 245 5944 Fax: +90 212 245 5947
