Golden Horn
- Address:Galata Bridge, Istanbul
- Admission:Free
1:20 AM Sunday, May 27
Passing clouds. Cool.
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The Golden Horn separates European Istanbul’s two major districts of Beyoglu, on the north bank, and Sultanahmet to the south.
This legendary body of water is crossed by the bustling Galata Bridge and forms a natural protective harbor.
Heading upstream from the Galata Bridge, the Golden Horn is crossed by Ataturk Bridge, Old Galata Bridge (moved here from its original position after a fire in1992) and the Halic Bridge.
In the days of Constantinople, a chain was stretched across the Horn from Seraglio Point to the old Galata Tower.
Other than sauntering across Galata Bridge, the best way to appreciate Istanbul’s legendary waterway is to hop on a ferry heading either up to Eyup or out to the picturesque Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara.
Latest Reviews All Golden Horn Reviews »
FIrst I want to give the highest praise for our delightful,knowledgeable helpful, sweet, chic,friendly tour guide, Mine pronounced Meenay (hope her name is correct) This is a must see for anyone interested in Jewish Heritage. Our tour was half a day and fine for us.we had read of one dissatisfied traveller's opinion and were concerned. We were so interested in the three Synagogues we saw. Each with a different story. at Neve Shalom the Rabbi himself met with us. The tour for two was so well organized with our guide and driver. I don't know how much you want to read but The tour as set is wonderful and then we were given options of certain sites to see. A tour is a must as it is difficult to get from one area to another unless someone really directs you and takes you. It was surprising to learn that the Neve Shalom Synagogue ( I am pretty sure that is the one) does not have dues but is supported by contributions. Mine told us a great deal of information about the Jewish Community (24,000 Jews) and 16 active Synagogues as well as about Istanbul itself especially since we had just arrived the day before. Be prepared to do some walking on cobblestone streets...some of the fun about this through streets with much to see en route.
THe security is very tight as we appreciated and as it is necessary so plan ahead to send your passport information at least a week or more ahead of your tour.
Marcia and Richard Schaefer Delmar (near Albany) New York
Jewish history in Istanbul seems limited....the synagogues were important for us to see and the guide made them as interesting as possible. Continue Reading »
We felt that we were taken. The guide knew very little of what she was doing. Continue Reading »
Practical Info
The Golden Horn winds north-west from its meeting point with the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara at Seraglio Point, on the tip of Old Istanbul. Ferries cluster beside Galata Bridge in Eminönü.
