Galata Bridge

The Bridge of Fame – Istanbul ’s Galata Bridge

There is an iconic picture of Istanbul which most people take when they visit the city. This is the Golden Horn, with the soaring minarets of the skyline’s mosques, the busy nature of this area, the glittering water, usually the sun-set and, of course, that huge bridge which spans across, with fishermen dangling their rods into the water, hoping for a fresh catch.

This is the Galata Bridge, and it is one of the oldest and most famous in Istanbul.

These days, the Galata Bridge allows both pedestrians and cars to cross. On each side you will have a bank of fishermen, usually two or three deep, as well as vendors selling all manner of entertainment paraphernalia and sweet treats. Underneath the bridge, hovering above the water, you’ll find a row of top quality seafood restaurants, giving visitors a spot to enjoy breakfast or an evening meal, with one of the best views around.

The Galata Bridge is a famous bridge, but it is a very scenic one. If you’re visiting during winter, it is also a very cold one when you’re crossing over it, so remember to wrap up very warm, as that wind can be biting!

The History of Galata Bridge

The oldest known bridge over the waters of the Golden Horn was built in 1453, and it was nothing special. Several architects and artists put together plans for a new bridge, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, but none of the plans ever came to fruition. The whole idea was put on hold until the 19th century, when the simple bridge which was currently standing was deemed not strong or good enough for the city’s capabilities.

Whilst one other bridge was built over the Golden Horn, a little further up the waterway, another bridge on the current site of the Galata Bridge wasn’t planned out until 1845. This point is considered important, because it is the mouth of the Golden Horn. The bridge was ordered to be built by the mother of Sultan Abdulmecid, and it remained used for around 18 years. This bridge was called the Cisr-i Cedid, translated to New Bridge. Sultan Abdulmecid was the first to cross over the bridge, and on the waters below, Captain Magnan from France, was the first to cross underneath it.

Another bridge was ordered to be built in its place in 1863, this time made of wood, ready for the visit of Napoleon III to the city. This was built by a British company and was 480 metres in length. A relatively expensive bridge, at around 105,000 gold liras in cost to build, this bridge was left in place until 1912, and the old bridge was pulled down the waterway, to replace another bridge, which was becoming old and in a state of disrepair.

The next bridge, the fourth to be built on the original spot, was constructed in 1912 by a German firm. This bridge would probably have remained in place, however it was very badly damaged in 1992 by a fire, and the final bridge, the one which we travel over today, was constructed to replace it.

The Current Galata Bridge

The current Galata Bridge was quickly constructed in 1992, to replace the old bridge, which was actually a much adored part of the city. The old bridge gently moved and swayed as the waters moved beneath it, adding a romantic element to this, one of the oldest parts of Istanbul.

The current bridge may be modern compared to the others, but it was designed so as not to look overly modern, and therefore be in-keeping with the overall feel of this historic centre of the city. The busy nature of the bridge makes it a real hub of life from early in the morning until the early hours. During the winter months, when we mentioned the cold really bites, you’ll see fisherman lighting fires to keep warm, refusing to give up their prime spot of fishing into the waters below!

Underneath the bridge, in the top quality restaurants and cafes, life continues until the early hours, and this is certainly a spot for the seafood lovers, who want to enjoy one of the best meals during their time in the city.

Things to See Around Galata Bridge

As Galata Bridge is basically at the very heart of the oldest part of the city, there are countless things to see, but spending some time on the bridge is a great idea too. You’ll get some fantastic photographs over the Golden horn from here, however you may need to pick your spot quickly, to avoid other people entering your photo – it’s very busy!

The bridge connects the Karakoy and Galata neighbourhoods with Eminonu, and from there you venture up towards Sultanahmet, Fatih, etc. Watching the sunset off the bridge is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric things you can possibly do in the whole of Istanbul, so be sure to time your visit. If you want to head off on a boat trip, there are countless vendors who will be shouting for your business as you walk off the Eminonu end of the Galata Bridge, and this is a great way to explore the city, in total comfort, and from a different stand-point.

Put simply, exploring the area in and around the Galata Bridge is a must do. What’s more, walking over this bridge is completely free!