Camondo Stairs
Camondo Stairs in Karakoy, Istanbul
The Camondo Stairs are located in central Istanbul, in the Karakoy quarter at the foot of Galata, on Bankalar Street in the Beyoglu district. The name honors the banker and philanthropist Abraham Salomon de Camondo, who financed their construction in the 1870s to make it easier to climb the steep slope between the lower level of Karakoy and the streets higher up the hill.
The architecture of the stairs combines features of Neo-Baroque and early Art Nouveau. The structure has a Y-shaped plan with three flights; the lower flight divides into two symmetrical branches in the shape of a figure eight. The smooth curves and wave-like parapets visually soften the steepness of the terrain and harmonize well with the facades of the 19th-century banking quarter on Bankalar Street.
The stairs have repeatedly been the subject of artistic shoots and street photography. They attracted the interest of renowned masters, including Henri Cartier-Bresson. Today, this is a publicly accessible urban site and a convenient passage between the different levels of the quarter, drawing visitors with its distinctive silhouette and the opportunity to take expressive photographs. Access is free, and there is no admission charge.
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Description and visiting tips for the Camondo Stairs
A passage between the different levels of the quarter with distinctive symmetry and 19th-century architecture.
A curved ascent on the Galata slope near Bankalar Street
On site, you can observe the finishing details: massive stone parapets with smooth waves, wedge-shaped landings at the turns, and a symmetrical split in the upper section. The narrow buildings around it emphasize the compact scale of the structure, while the curved line of the railings creates convenient framing points both from below and from above.
The stairs are used as a regular urban passage, so it can be crowded here in the middle of the day. For a calmer visit and photography, it is more convenient to come early in the morning on weekdays. The stone can be slippery after rain, and there are no ramps - the site is not suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility.
A visit can be combined with exploring nearby buildings of the financial quarter, the cultural and arts center "SALT Galata," the Ottoman Bank Museum, or a walk to Galata Tower. The Arab Mosque and the waterfront with ferry piers are also nearby.
The most convenient way is to walk from the Karakoy tram stop on the T1 line along Bankalar Street. You can also reach the upper streets by the Tunel funicular or from Sis hane metro station on the M2 line and walk down to Bankalar Street following the signs.
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