Maiden's Tower, Maritime lighthouse in Üsküdar, Turkey
The Maiden's Tower stands on a small islet 200 meters from the Asian shore of Istanbul, marking the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait.
The tower's construction began in 1110 under Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus, who established a wooden structure protected by stone fortifications.
The structure gained its name from legends about an emperor's daughter who was confined in the tower to prevent a prophesied death by snake bite.
Visitors reach the tower by regular boat services from Üsküdar-Salacak or Galataport piers, with trips operating between 9:30 AM and 8:00 PM daily.
The tower served multiple functions throughout centuries, including a customs checkpoint, defensive fortification, lighthouse, and quarantine station during disease outbreaks.
Location: Üsküdar
Location: Istanbul
Inception: 1110
Architectural style: Ottoman architecture
Website: https://kizkulesi.gov.tr
GPS coordinates: 41.02111,29.00417
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:13
These maritime structures span several centuries and continents, from North America to Asia. Each lighthouse features distinct architectural elements and engineering characteristics. The towers stand as navigation points for maritime traffic and represent regional maritime heritage.
Istanbul offers photographers an uncommon range of subjects, combining architecture from multiple centuries with urban landscapes and waterways. This route includes Byzantine and Ottoman monuments such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, along with the Galata Tower that has stood over the old city since the 14th century. The Bosphorus separates Europe and Asia and provides the setting for historic sites including Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower, and waterfront palaces like Dolmabahce Palace and Kucuksu Palace. The route passes through districts with different character. Balat displays Ottoman wooden houses and narrow lanes, while Karakoy is known for its renovated industrial buildings. The Princes' Islands off the coast offer car-free streets and neoclassical mansions. Viewpoints like Camlica Hill and Pierre Loti Hill provide panoramic views of the city and the Sea of Marmara. Additional destinations include Suleymaniye Mosque, Emirgan Park with its tulip beds, and modern structures like Zorlu Center.
Şemsi Pasha Mosque
809 m
Atatürk Monument
1.6 km
Atik Valide Mosque
1.7 km
Selim Üsküdar Mosque
1.6 km
Fountain of Ahmed III
1.1 km
Ayazma Mosque
432 m
Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque
872 m
Çifte Palace
1.6 km
Yeni Üsküdar Mosque
1 km
Column of the Goths
1.7 km
Rum Mehmed Pasha Mosque
686 m
Molla Çelebi Mosque
1.7 km
Selman Ağa Mosque
1.1 km
Hacı Hesna Hatun Camii
1.5 km
Ahmet Çelebi Mosque
784 m
Salacak Fatih Mosque
320 m
Kurban Nasuh Baba Mosque
1.3 km
Aşçıbaşı Mosque
1.6 km
Şehzade Numan fountain
1.2 km
Tabaklar Mosque
1.4 km
Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa Fountain
786 m
Cennet Efendi Turbe
888 m
Müderris Abdülbaki Efendi Mosque
1.5 km
Ahmediye Complex
1 km
Uçurtma Müzesi
821 m
Abbas Ağa Fountain
1.2 km
Hayrettin Çavuş Türbesi
1.2 km
Yedi Güzel Adam ve Öncüler Kütüphanesi
948 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes