Galata, the old harbour area walk tour

Informazioni generali

Destinazione	Categoria
Istanbul, Turchia	Attrazioni/Intrattenimento

Il programma nel dettaglio

Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Istanbul’s historic Galata area and immerse yourself in a vibrant place steeped in history, Located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn inlet, the Galata neighbourhood has been a place of human occupation since the time of Christ. The area achieved city status during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the mid-6th century and large sea chains were laid at the entrance of the Golden Horn to prevent sudden attack by invaders: during your walk you will visit the building where these chains were tightened. Later the quarter housed the city’s Jewish community, which came to number some 2,500 people. Later still, in the 13th century, Galata was ceded to Genoa and became over time a substantial Genoese colony. Galata Tower, built in 1348, still stands at the northern apex of the Genoese citadel.

Among other highlights see the Russian, Armenian and Romaic churches perched on top of apartment buildings; visit the former crypt of the Castle of Galata, converted into an underground mosque in the 18th century; admire the mosque, medrese and hamam of the Kilic Ali Pasha Complex, a spectacular group of Ottoman-era buildings dating back to the 16th century; and discover the unusual Gothic mosque of the Arap Camii, originally a Roman Catholic church but converted to a mosque in the Ottoman era and given to Arab Muslim refugees escaping from the Spanish Inquisition.

The history of Istanbul comes alive during the course of this inspiring wander through streets and alleyways of Galata.

Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel reception.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start/opening time: Between 1pm and 1.30pm.
End/closing time: Between 5pm and 5.30pm.
Languages: English.