Kamondo Stairs

The Kamondo Stairs form a curving, serpentine path of stone steps that splits in two before reuniting at the top. Abraham Salomon Kamondo, a wealthy Jewish banker, commissioned these steps in the late nineteenth century to shorten the walk for his grandchildren on their way to school. The unique, flowing Art Nouveau design allowed the children to avoid the long, steep climb up the surrounding streets of Galata. One slip on these stairs today feels just like the path the family took.