Maiden's Tower, also known as Kız Kulesi in Turkish, is a historical tower located on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. The tower has a unique and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times.
According to legend, the tower was built by a king who was warned by a fortune teller that his daughter would be bitten by a snake and die on her 18th birthday. To protect his daughter, the king built the tower in the middle of the sea and kept her there. However, on her 18th birthday, the princess was bitten by a snake that had made its way into the tower in a basket of fruit.
The tower has undergone several transformations over the centuries. It was first built as a wooden tower in the 5th century BC by the Athenian general Alcibiades. The tower was then rebuilt in stone by the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos in the 12th century. During the Ottoman Empire, the tower was used as a lighthouse, a quarantine station for ships arriving from infected ports, and a customs checkpoint.
Today, Maiden's Tower is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Istanbul. The tower has a restaurant on the top floor that offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. Visitors can also explore the tower's museum, which displays artifacts and information about the tower's history. The tower is accessible by boat from the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Maiden's Tower is not only a historical landmark but also a cultural icon. It has been featured in several movies, books, and songs, and has become a symbol of love and romance. The tower's unique location and history make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Istanbul.
Hours:
Monday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM,
Tuesday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM,
Wednesday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM,
Thursday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM,
Friday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM,
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:45 PM, 8:15 PM – 12:30 AM,
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:45 PM, 8:15 PM – 12:30 AM
