Galata Tower has been one of the landmarks of Istanbul for centuries. Built in the 14^th century by Genoese merchants to replace an older Byzantine tower, the tower is around 67 meters tall and has a diameter of 16.5 meters. Galata Tower was originally named “Christea Turris” or Tower of Christ. During the 18^th century Ottomans used it as an observation tower, especially for fires which could easily spread in neighbourhoods of traditional wooden houses. Today, Galata Tower is a major tourist attraction offering one of the best views of the old city looking over the entrance of the Golden Horn.