Private Tour: Istanbul's Jewish Heritage

Discover Istanbul's Jewish culture on this private half-day tour. Visit the Galata Tower, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city on the European side.You will also visit  the synagogues of Neve Shalom, Ashkenaz and Ortakoy.

Highlights include:

Galata Tower:
One of the city's most striking landmarks is the Galata Tower, whose huge, cone-capped form dominates the skyline on the Galata side of the Golden Horn. This tower was the apex of the fortifications of Genoese Galata. Originally known as the Tower of Christ, it was built in 1348 in connection with the first expansion of the Genoese colony. Entrance inside the tower is not permitted, you will be able to view from the outside only.

Neve Shalom Synagogue:
Neve Shalom is the central and largest Sephardic synagogue is Istanbul and was completed in 1951 due to a rapid increase in the Jewish population in the Pera and Galata areas.

Ashkenaz Synagogue:
Located near the Galata Tower, the facade of the building is especially imposing, with three oriental arches and octagonal rosette windows. Inside, the floors are of marble, the lofty dome is painted with stars, and the elaborately-worked ark, of dark wood, blends eastern European and Arabesque styles. It is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers.

Ortakoy Synagogue:
Ortakoy or Etz Ahayim Synagogue is located on the coast near the Bosphorus Bridge. The synagogue was rebuilt in 1941 after having been totally destroyed by fire.

Please note: You MUST provide your full passport details at time of booking. This information is required in order to obtain permission to enter the Synagogues. You are also required to fill in forms upon arrival at the Neve Shalom Synagogue. Tour itineraries and durations are dependent on times arranged by the Jewish Rabbinate.