The Camondo Stairs are a pair of curving stone staircases from the late 19th century, linking Bankalar Street in Karaköy with the steep lanes of Galata above. Commissioned by the Camondos, a Jewish Ottoman banking family, they are one of the most photographed corners of Istanbul thanks to their mirror-image curves and graceful railings. They make a free and rewarding stop on the climb from Karaköy to Galata Tower.
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A banking dynasty's gift to the street
The stairs were built around the 1870s, according to most sources, for Abraham Salomon Camondo, head of one of the most powerful financial families of the Ottoman Empire. The Camondos built banks, commercial buildings and apartment blocks in Galata, lent money to the Ottoman treasury and played a part in modernising the city. Abraham Salomon is also remembered for supporting community schools.
The best-loved story is that the stairs were built so the Camondo children could walk easily to a nearby school; another version says the family wanted a shortcut between their home and their offices on Bankalar Street. Whatever the reason, the steps still do their job, carrying locals up and down one of Galata's steepest slopes every day.
Two curves meeting in the middle
What makes the stairs special is their symmetry: two flights curve towards each other like reflections, meet on a central landing and part again. From above they look like a pair of interlocking arcs. The stone treads, iron railings and small curved terraces between the bends combine Neo-Baroque lines with a hint of early Art Nouveau.
The staircase became internationally famous through a photograph taken in Istanbul in the 1960s by the French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. Photographers still come to capture the geometry, usually shooting down from the top landing.
Bankalar Street, the Ottoman Wall Street
The stairs start from Bankalar Street (officially Voyvoda Street), the empire's financial centre in the late 19th century. The grandest building along it is the former headquarters of the Ottoman Bank, designed by the architect Alexandre Vallaury. Today it is a cultural and research centre with exhibitions on the history of banking.
Faded lettering and emblems on the façades recall long-gone banks and insurance companies. A short stroll here gives you a feel for the role Galata's Levantine, Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities once played in city life.
Photo and visiting tips
- Best angle: Shoot downwards from the upper landing to show both curves; a wide-angle lens or your phone's wide mode helps.
- Light: Mornings bring soft light and fewer people; at midday the shadows are harsh.
- Be considerate: This is a working footpath for residents, so don't block the way for long or camp on the steps.
- With children: The steps are steep and worn in places, strollers are awkward to carry, and the stone can be slippery after rain. Hold little hands.
Carrying on up to Galata
From the top of the stairs it's a short walk to the foot of Galata Tower. Heading the other way, Bankalar Street brings you back to Karaköy Square and the Galataport waterfront, so the stairs naturally link the two halves of a Karaköy and Galata walk. For more framing ideas on the other side of the water, see our photo spots guide.
Getting there from Sareban Hotel
From the Sultanahmet or Çemberlitaş stop near our hotel, take the T1 tram towards Kabataş, cross the Galata Bridge and get off at Karaköy. From Karaköy Square, turn into Bankalar Street and walk a little way towards the Golden Horn to reach the bottom of the stairs. The Karaköy station of the Tünel funicular is close by too, handy if you'd rather ride up the hill than climb it.
To explore the rest of the neighbourhood, see our Galata and Karaköy guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to see the Camondo Stairs?
No. The stairs are a public passage and free to visit at any time.
How long do you need at the Camondo Stairs?
Ten to fifteen minutes is enough for photos and a short break. Allow half an hour if you also stroll along Bankalar Street.
Can I use the stairs with a stroller?
It isn't practical, as the steps are steep and curving. With a stroller, it's easier to ride the Tünel funicular up and walk downhill to Galata Tower.
Why are they called the Camondo Stairs?
They are named after the Camondo family, the 19th-century Ottoman bankers who built them. In Turkish the name is spelled Kamondo.
