The cylindrical, conical Galata Tower was built as part of the expansion of the Genoese settlements (Istanbul's Genoese Colony), which was established with the aim of supporting the economy of local merchants in Istanbul in 1348 AD, and it was called at that time "Christea Turris" ). Standing high above the city's Karakoy district, just north of the Golden Horn intersection, this tower was the city's tallest building for centuries, and still controls a large part of Istanbul's tourism, and when you visit it, you can climb to the top, wander through its facilities, and watch Panoramic views of the city. If you want to skip the crowds, it is recommended that you visit early in the morning during opening time or late in the evening, close to closing time.