Maiden's Tower, also known as Kız Kulesi in Turkish, is a small tower located on a tiny islet off the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey, at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait. The tower has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times.

The tower is believed to have been built during the Byzantine period as a watchtower to defend the city against attacks from the sea. It has since undergone many renovations and restorations, and in the early 19th century, it was converted into a quarantine station for ships coming to Istanbul.

The tower has a unique and captivating legend that tells the story of a Byzantine king who built the tower to protect his daughter from a prophesized snake bite on her 18th birthday. However, despite the king's efforts, the princess still died from a snake bite that was hidden in a basket of fruits that was delivered to the tower on her 18th birthday.

Today, the Maiden's Tower is a popular tourist destination and has been converted into a restaurant and café. Visitors can take a boat from the Asian or European side of Istanbul to the islet and enjoy a meal or coffee while taking in the stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city. The tower remains an integral part of Istanbul's rich cultural heritage and continues to captivate visitors with its unique history and legend.

свернуть