Istanbul Monuments and Towers
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, and is one of the oldest towers in the world. ...more »
- Location: Galata
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Walled Obelisk
Reaching a height of 32m, the Walled Obelisk is one of the landmark features of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet. The construction date is unknown but it was repaired in the 10th century. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Rumeli Feneri - Rumeli Lighthouse
Built by the French during the Crimean War to guide warships through the narrow Bosphorus Strait, Rumeli Feneri (Rumeli Lighthouse) makes for a striking Istanbul landmark. ...more »
- Location: Sariyer
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Monument of the Republic
Designed to commemorate the formation of the Republic of Turkey, the Monument of the Republic enjoys a central location in Taksim Square. ...more »
- Location: Taksim
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Obelisk of Theodosius
The Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Tutmoses III (1479–1425 BC) was re-erected in the Hippodrome in the 4th century AD by Roman emperor Theodosius I. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Fountain of Ahmet III
The elegant Fountain of Ahmet III is situated in front of the gate to Topkapi Palace.It was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III in 1728 and enjoys intricate decoration. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Hippodrome and Monuments
Istanbul’s Hippodrome was once the largest of its kind in the world. Not much is left of it these days, but it nonetheless remains a grand site and it’s easy to imagine the ghosts of horses past. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Serpent Column
The Serpent Column- made from bronze taken from 31 Greek cities- was once part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod which was dedicated to Apollo at Delphi in 478BC. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Anadolu Hisari - Anatolian Fortress
This imposing reminder of Ottoman might is situated at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was completed in 1394 by Sultan Bayezid I. ...more »
- Location: Anadolu Hisari
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Dolmabahce Clock Tower
Located just outside the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Dolmabahce Clock Tower was constructed between 1890 - 1895 by renowned Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan on the orders of Sultan Abdulhamid II. ...more »
- Location: Dolmabahce
- Type: Monuments and Towers
Our Local Experts say:
Istanbul's unique geographical position and rich history has led to the construction of a number of iconic monuments and towers over time. From defense towers to bridges, aqueducts and fortresses, the city bears the marks of many eras.
Some of Istanbul's most well-known towers and monuments enjoy a history dating back several centuries. Some, like the Maiden's Tower, literally rise from the water while others such as the Bosphorus Bridge link the city's two continents. More modern constructions like the Galata Bridge continue to be a source of inspiration and beauty.
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