Maiden's Tower

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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

Historical lighthouses across the globe

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.

Instagrammable photo locations in Istanbul

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.

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« Maiden's Tower - Maritime lighthouse in Üsküdar, Turkey » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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