Camondo Stairs

The Camondo Stairs were built by the Camondo family in the late 19th century, at the junction of Voyvoda Street — today's Bankalar Caddesi — and the steep lanes that climb towards Galata. According to the family story, the stairs were built to shorten and ease the walk of the Camondo grandchildren to their school.

With their two symmetrical, interlacing flights, the stairs are one of the most photographed corners of Galata; Henri Cartier-Bresson's picture of them is among the best-known images of the city.