The Maiden's Tower is a historically and culturally important building located on a small islet off the coast of Salacak in the Bosphorus.
History of Maiden's Tower
The history of the Maiden's Tower dates back to the 5th century BC. It was first built during the time of the ancient Greeks as a customs point in order to ensure Athens' control of the Bosphorus. During the Byzantine period, the tower was used as a defensive tower. At that time, the tower was known as the "Leandros Tower". The Maiden's Tower was rebuilt several times during the Byzantine Empire. During this period, the tower was of great importance for the defense of Istanbul. In the 12th century, during the reign of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, the tower was rebuilt. During this period, the tower was used to collect taxes from ships passing through the Bosphorus. The Maiden's Tower was also used for different purposes during the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, the tower had different functions such as a lighthouse, a defense tower and a quarantine hospital. Especially in the 18th century, the Ottomans further strengthened and restored the tower. During the Republican period, the Maiden's Tower was abandoned and neglected from time to time. However, with the restoration works that started in the 1990s, the tower regained its former glory. Today, the Maiden's Tower serves as a tourist attraction and hosts various activities such as restaurants and cafes.
Maiden's Tower Architecture
The Maiden's Tower bears the traces of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. The building, which was wooden when it was first built, was later rebuilt with stone and brick. The Maiden's Tower is about 18 meters high, it is a six-storey structure, and each floor has served a different purpose.
How to get to Maiden's Tower
Chartering a yacht in Istanbul to go to the Maiden's Tower is a great way to experience the unique view of the Bosphorus and the beauty of the Maiden's Tower from the sea. You can rent a yacht in Istanbul and see the Maiden's Tower from the closest distance and make these moments immortal with photo shoots. If you rent charter yachts in the evening after dark, you can enjoy the view of the Maiden's Tower, which offers a visual feast with laser lights, much better. If you want to have a perfect yacht charter experience without any mishaps, you can rent the luxurious and comfortable yachts in the fleet of Boğaziçi Çocuk company at any time for the most affordable prices on the
yatkiralama.net/en page.
Address: Salacak Dist. Üsküdar Coastal Road, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye