Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower is situated on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. It was originally constructed in 408 BC by the Athenian general Alcibiades, mainly to monitor the movements of Persian ships entering the Bosphorus. In 1110 AD, Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus rebuilt and expanded it into a military fortress. Between 1509 and 1763, the Ottoman Empire also carried out renovations and minor modifications. In 1999, following an earthquake in the region, steel reinforcements were added to the tower. For centuries, Maiden's Tower has stood as a lighthouse in the Bosphorus, guiding passing vessels. Today, the tower has been transformed into a romantic café and restaurant, where visitors can dine while enjoying stunning views of Istanbul’s cityscape and seascapes.

Maiden's Tower is one of the most romantic symbols of Istanbul, surrounded by many beautiful legends. One myth tells of a sultan who had a beloved daughter, but she was prophesied to be bitten and killed by a snake on her 18th birthday. To protect his daughter, the sultan built a tower in the sea where the princess could live, away from snakes on land. On her 18th birthday, the sultan gave her a basket of fruit, believing the prophecy had been averted. Tragically, when the princess opened the basket, a snake hidden beneath the fruit struck, and she was bitten and died. The tower was then named Maiden's Tower.

Maiden's Tower

Must-visit reason: The most romantic symbol of Istanbul

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Turkey[turkey]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Istanbul Province [Istanbul Province]

City where the attraction is located: Istanbul [Istanbul]