The Golden Horn view
Water, minarets and bridges at sunset.
Joseolgon — CC BY 4.0 · Joseolgon — CC BY 4.0 · Aleksandr Zykov from Russia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jl FilpoC — CC BY 4.0 · G.dallorto — CC BY-SA 2.5 it
Pierre Loti Hill rises above the Eyüp district of Istanbul, looking down the Golden Horn over water and minarets towards the old city, and is known for the old cafe at its top. It is one of the city's best sunset spots, drawing locals and visitors alike, often after a visit to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque below. The hill takes its name from the French novelist and naval officer Pierre Loti, the pen name of Julien Viaud (1850-1923). He knew Istanbul in the 1870s and drew on his diaries from the city for his novel Aziyadé. He is said to have frequented the cafe here to take in the view, a story more repeated than documented, but the name stuck. Visitors ride up by gondola from the Golden Horn shore on a short 420 m line opened in 2005, passing over the old Ottoman cemetery on the slope. You can also walk up the path between the gravestones, a fine but steep climb. At the top are a cafe, terraces and a restaurant, with the Golden Horn and its bridges in front of you and the old city on the horizon. Crowds build before sunset and at weekends. The summit lies 700 m from the Eyüp Sultan Mosque in a straight line, so the two pair easily. Walk through the cemetery respectfully, wear comfortable shoes and carry an İstanbulkart for the gondola.
Water, minarets and bridges at sunset.
A short ride over the old cemetery.
Tea at the top, named for the novelist.
Above the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Eyüpsultan, Istanbul
Eyüp Sultan MosqueA mosque at the head of the Golden Horn, the most significant Islamic religious 9 minutes walk4.7
MiniatürkHagia Sophia, the Dome of the Rock, the Mostar Bridge and Rumi's tomb in Konya s18 minutes walk4.5
Rahmi M. Koç MuseumA 1950s Bosphorus ferry is moored on the Golden Horn and you can walk aboard her23 minutes walk4.7The pen name of Julien Viaud (1850-1923), a French naval officer and novelist known for his tales of the East, including Aziyadé, inspired by Istanbul.
Ride up and walk down through the cemetery, which is easier than climbing and gives a different view. Watch out for uneven steps.