Italian Cultural Route of Beyoğlu

From the Republic Monument to the Genoese walls of Galata: a walk through the Italian architecture and memory of Beyoğlu.

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Wear comfortable shoes; the route is about 5 km.
Meeting point: Republic Monument, Taksim Square.
Duration: about 70 minutes.

The Art Nouveau details of Casa Botter.
The Levantine façades along İstiklal.
Traces of the Genoese colony in Galata.

The route, about 5 km long, runs from Taksim Square down to the Genoese walls of Galata, linking 23 stops of Beyoğlu's Italian memory.

  • Start at the Republic Monument in Taksim Square
  • Down İstiklal Avenue: the Cercle d'Orient, the Basilica of Sant'Antonio di Padova and Santa Maria Draperis
  • The historic hotels: the Grand Hotel de Londres and the Pera Palace
  • Palazzo Corpi, Palazzo di Venezia and the Italian institutions (High School, Italian Cultural Institute)
  • Casa Botter, the city's first Art Nouveau building
  • Descent to Galata: the Galata Tower, the churches, the Saint Pierre Han and the Genoese walls

Estimated duration: about 70 minutes, excluding stops.

  • The Republic Monument by Pietro Canonica in Taksim Square
  • The neo-Gothic Basilica of Sant'Antonio di Padova, the largest Catholic church in the city
  • The legendary Pera Palace, the hotel of the Orient Express
  • Casa Botter, Raimondo D'Aronco's Art Nouveau masterpiece
  • The Galata Tower and the ancient Genoese walls
  • Traces of the Italian and Levantine community along İstiklal Avenue
  • Meeting point: Republic Monument, Taksim Square. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
  • The tour is on foot for about 5 km; a moderate level of fitness and comfortable shoes are required.
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites are not included in the tour price.
  • The stated itinerary is indicative and may change according to local conditions and opening hours.
  • The tour is confirmed once the minimum number of participants is reached; otherwise clients will be notified in advance.
  • Please keep your personal belongings with you throughout the walk.
  • Physical activity: the tour involves long walks, including on uneven cobbled streets and downhill towards Galata. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
  • Weather & clothing: comfortable, sturdy shoes are advised; in summer a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, in winter a waterproof layer.
  • Cultural sensitivity: modest dress is required to visit the churches and the mosque along the route; women may be asked to cover their heads.
  • Flexibility: the order of visits may vary according to local conditions and opening hours, to ensure the best possible experience.