Having served as a custom station for ships, the islet is thought to have been connected to the Asiatic shore through a defense wall whose underwater remains are still visible.

Just like the Galata Tower, the Maiden’s Tower is thought to have fallen into ruin due to several natural disasters. The glass kiosk and lead-covered dome were added during restoration. Today, the tower’s ground floor serves as a restaurant and the roof as a café. There’s also a museum with free admission.

There are a few legends that have added to the tower’s fame although one particular one outshines the others – to such an extent that the tower is named the “Tower of Leandros” after this specific legend. Leandros (or Leander) was a young man from across the strait who fell in love with Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite. Every night, he would swim across the Hellespont (Dardanelles) to see her. Hero would light a lamp at the top of her tower to guide his way. However, one stormy winter night, the waves tossed Leandros into the sea and the wind blew out Hero’s light. According to the legend, tragically Leandros lost his way and drowned.