Maiden's Tower: A Famous Landmark in Istanbul

Maiden’s Tower is located on a small island at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Known in Turkish as Kız Kulesi, this tower is one of the city’s most recognizable sights, filled with stories and history.

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A Tower Full of Stories

One popular story about Maiden’s Tower is about a sultan who built the tower to keep his daughter safe after he was told she would be harmed by a snake bite. Sadly, she was bitten by a snake that came hidden in a basket of fruit, and the maiden tower story adds a touch of mystery to the tower.

A Beautiful Spot to See

Maiden’s Tower stands out because of its simple yet striking design. It has been part of Istanbul’s skyline for a long time and offers some of the best views of the city and the sea. Visitors love to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Why Go to Maiden's Tower?

Now, Maiden’s Tower is a great place to visit. You can enjoy a meal or a drink at the café inside while looking out over the water. It’s a perfect place for both relaxing afternoons and special moments.

Explore Maiden's Tower

When you’re in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to go to Maiden’s Tower. Whether you’re interested in history, love taking photos, or just want to see a beautiful view, Maiden’s Tower is a special place that everyone should visit. It’s a symbol of the city’s charm and history.

Highlights of Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul

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Explore Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower: A Special Spot in Istanbul

Maiden’s Tower sits on a small island in the Bosphorus Strait and is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. This old tower is a great place to see beautiful views and hear interesting stories.

Great Views and a Historic Feel

From Maiden’s Tower, you can see all around the Bosphorus and look back at the city of Istanbul. It’s a perfect place to take pictures, watch the sunset, or just enjoy the view.

Stories and Legends

The tower is known for its legends, especially the maiden tower legend about a princess kept in the tower to keep her safe from a snake bite, which ended up happening anyway. Visiting gives you a chance to learn about these tales, adding a magical touch to your trip.

Eat and Relax by the Water

Maiden’s Tower isn’t just for sightseeing; it also has a café and restaurant. You can eat a meal or have a drink right over the water. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a peaceful break during your day.

Getting There is Fun

You can only get to Maiden’s Tower by boat, which makes the trip there exciting. The boat ride is quick and gives you a fresh look at Istanbul from the water.

Why Go to Maiden's Tower?

Maiden’s Tower is a must-see in Istanbul because it combines history, legends, and beautiful views. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to explore new places or just wants to see something truly special.

Discover the Fascinating History of Maiden's Tower in Istanbul

Maiden’s Tower, also known as Kız Kulesi, stands on a tiny island in the Bosphorus Strait near Istanbul. This famous tower has a long history that goes back hundreds of years and is full of interesting stories.

From Ancient Times to Now

The area where Maiden’s Tower is located was first used by ancient Greeks around the 5th century BC. The tower as we know it started as a small fortress built in the 12th century. Over time, different rulers like the Byzantines and Ottomans used it for defense and as a lighthouse to help ships navigate.

Stories and Legends

One of the most famous stories about the tower is about an emperor who put his daughter in the tower to protect her from a snake bite predicted by a fortune teller. Sadly, the maiden tower istanbul story says she was bitten by a snake that came in with a basket of grapes and died. This legend makes the tower a mysterious and interesting place to visit.

Changes Over Time

The tower has been rebuilt and fixed up many times to keep it standing strong. Each change adds a bit of maiden tower history and shows different styles of building from the past.

Visit Maiden's Tower Today

Now, Maiden’s Tower is open for everyone to visit. It has a museum, a café, and a restaurant where you can learn more about its history and enjoy the views of Istanbul.

Key Informations for Visitors

Maiden´s Tower is located on a small island near the Asian side of Istanbul. 

Address: Salacak, Salacak Mevkii, 34668 Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey.

   Boat Services

 • From Kabataş: Ferries start at 9:00 on weekdays and 10:00 on weekends, departing every 45 minutes until 19:00.

 • From Üsküdar: Boats are available from 9:00 to 19:00 daily.

 • From Galataport: Boats depart at 11:00, 12:30, 14:15, 15:30, and 17:00 daily. Located right in front of the tower’s ticket office, this route is convenient if you are near Galataport.

  Note: The only access to the Maiden’s Tower is by sea. The Kabataş route takes about 10 minutes, while the Salacak route takes about a minute. If you’re on the Asian side, the Salacak route is quickest.

Topkapi Palace: Explore the grandeur of Ottoman history with its stunning architecture and gardens.

Hagia Sophia: Admire the exquisite Byzantine architecture and mosaics of this famous museum and former cathedral.

Spice Bazaar: Experience the vibrant market filled with spices, teas, and Turkish delights.

Dolmabahçe Palace: Visit the luxurious residence of the Ottoman sultans, with its impressive interiors and scenic Bosphorus views.

Opening Times: Daily operations from 09:00 to 19:00.

Suggested Duration: 1 hour

Optimal Visit Times: Early morning .

Duration of Visit

Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours at the Maiden’s Tower to fully enjoy the tower, its museum, and the panoramic views.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to visit the Maiden’s Tower are during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear, providing optimal conditions for enjoying the views and exploring comfortably.

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions About Maiden's Tower

Maiden’s Tower was first built as a small defense tower in the 12th century. Later, it was used as a lighthouse and a place to watch for ships.

Maiden’s Tower is an important landmark in Istanbul. It’s famous for its beautiful views and the old stories about it. The tower is a symbol of the city’s history.

Kız Kulesi‚ is the Turkish name for Maiden’s Tower, which means ‚Maiden’s Tower‘ in English. This name comes from the famous stories about young women related to the tower.

The exact builder of Maiden’s Tower isn’t known, but it was originally built during the Byzantine era. It was later fixed and used by the Ottomans.

Yes, Maiden’s Tower has been fixed up a few times to make sure it stays safe and looks good for visitors. The latest repairs help people enjoy the old tower and its views.

Maiden’s Tower has a couple of floors. Visitors can go up to see the view and eat at the restaurant.

No, there isn’t an elevator in Maiden’s Tower. You have to use stairs to get to the top where the restaurant and the view are.

Yes, the restaurant at Maiden’s Tower is open. It’s a great place to eat while looking at the views of Istanbul and the water around the tower.