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Galata Bridge

What people say

"The Galata Bridge is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historically rich crossings, spanning the Golden Horn and connecting the bustling districts of Eminönü and Karaköy. Serving as a vital link between the old and new parts of the city, the bridge has been rebuilt multiple times throughout history, with its current structure dating back to 1994. What makes Galata Bridge unique is its two-tiered design. The upper level is a busy thoroughfare with pedestrians, trams, and vehicles, offering breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus. The lower level is lined with restaurants and cafés, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while watching ferries and fishing boats glide across the water. A favorite spot for local fishermen, photographers, and travelers, the Galata Bridge is not just a means of crossing but a place to experience Istanbul’s daily rhythm, stunning sunsets, and historic charm."
"(EN) The Galata Bridge is not only a bridge that connects two sides of the city but also represents a cultural encounter. The Galata Köprüsü (in Turkish) connects the old city of Istanbul, site of the imperial palace and principal religious and secular institutions of the Ottoman Empire, and the modern districts of Beyoğlu, where the majority of the inhabitants used to be non-Muslims and where foreign merchants and diplomats lived and worked. (ES) El Puente de Gálata no es sólo un puente que conecta dos lados de la ciudad sino que también representa un encuentro cultural. El Galata Köprüsü (en turco) conecta la antigua ciudad de Estambul, sede del palacio imperial y las principales instituciones religiosas y seculares del Imperio Otomano, y los modernos distritos de Beyoğlu, donde la mayoría de los habitantes solían ser no musulmanes y donde vivían y trabajaban comerciantes y diplomáticos extranjeros."
Lisa Dahl
"🐟 The Galata Bridge is iconic in Istanbul. It connects the Old City, Sultanahmet, to what was once called Pera (meaning "beyond") and is now called Beyoğlu. ⚡ Sultan Bayezid II dreamed of a bridge across the Golden Horn and held a bridge-building contest. Leonardo da Vinci submitted a proposal in 1502. 👉 Sadly, his elegant design was never built. It took until 1845 for a wooden bridge to be constructed. 🇹🇷 Today's Galata Bridge is the fifth edition, built in 1994. 🐟 Fishermen gather along the top, where cars and trams pass. And there is a walkable bottom layer that protects pedestrians from the summer sun and is lined with fish restaurants."

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