The Barnathan Apartment is one of the first and best examples of apartment residences built in Istanbul in the late 19th century. It belonged to a Sephardic Jewish family named the Barnathans. It is a beautiful example of Galata’s rich cultural heritage where Levantines, jews, Armenians and Greeks of Cosmopolitan İstanbul lived side by side.
The building was constructed in 1892-93. by the Barnathan family, who gave the building its name. The building is inspired by neo-classical architecture along with art-nouveau details. The Apartment is in walking distance from the historical Galata Tower.
The building, which had been neglected for many years, was turned into an elegant hotel after a meticulous restoration. The rooms were restored to its original hand-drawn ornaments and decorated in Provence style. The hotel has a fabulous roof top overlooking the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus serving world cuisine. The hotel also has an art gallery.
If you are interested in feeling how 19th century İstanbul elites lived, staying or dining at Barnathan Hotel might be a good start!
Barnathan Apartment before the restoration
Barnathan Hotel after the restoration
Hand drawn ornaments on the walls of the rooms attract one’s attention as one enters the rooms
Barnathan Cafe
Roof top with an amazing view of the Galata Tower
I would highly recommend you to visit this amazing roof top either in spring or summer!
