The Galata Bridge is a cross-cultural artery in the beating heart of Istanbul. The 490-meter span stretches the breadth of the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus Strait. Pedestrians, vehicles, and a tram move across the upper deck that links Eminönü with Galata. It is truly a cross-cultural experience: Eminönü has deep Ottoman connections while Galata has a European flavor.
The current bridge—built in 1994—is the fifth installment of structures in this place. Like its predecessor, it has vendor stalls and eateries on the lower deck. (I must confess: I’ve enjoyed several grilled fish here, perhaps caught by one the fisherman lining the rail?) Among those who worked on the original 16th c bridge design? Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo!
The modern bridge is raisable—or bascule. Leaves in the central span swing upward to allow ships to pass.