Pierre Loti Hill, Istanbul
Pierre Loti Hill is a picturesque and historic spot in Istanbul, often overlooked by tourists due to its distance from the city center. Situated in the Eyüp neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul, the hill offers breathtaking views of the Golden Horn and the European part of the city. It is one of the highest points in Istanbul.
Named after the renowned French writer Pierre Loti, who spent hours writing in a café at the top of the hill and penned his famous novel Aziade there, Pierre Loti Hill is steeped in literary and historical significance.
The hill features various historical buildings and is a romantic destination, often chosen by couples for honeymoons or special occasions, earning it the nickname “Lovers’ Hill.” The surrounding area includes a beautiful forest, and visitors can reach the top either by cable car or by hiking along a paved path through the cemetery.
Tourist attractions of Pir Loti Hill in Istanbul
In addition to historical monuments, Pir Loti Hill has many pleasant attractions and facilities for the well-being of tourists. These facilities include:
- Terrace Café
- Yeşil Café
- Aziade Restaurant
- His Coconut Café
- Historical Café (dating back to the 18th century)
- Traditional Hotel
- Cable Car
- Observation Platform with Telescope
- Pierre Loti Historical Coffee House
- Old Loti Hill Road
- Six Beautiful Mansions It should be noted that the hours of service in Tepe Pir Loti are from 7 am to 1 am.
Historical places of Pirre Loti Hill in Istanbul
The hill can be accessed via cable car or by hiking up a paved path. The facilities operate from 7 AM to 1 AM.
- Kashgari Takhesi: Built in 1813, located along the route from Pir Loti Hill to Eyüp Mosque.
- Çolak Sheikh Hasan Türbesi: Used by dervishes for austerities.
- Çolak Hasan Dede: The tomb of Çolak Hasan Dede.
- Sıbyan Mektebi: Once a school, now a prayer house.
- İskender Dede Tomb: The resting place of İskender Dede, a dervish from 1589.
- Delik Koyusu: A famous well where people believed they could see their heart’s desires.
- Reservoir: A Byzantine cistern located near Sıbyan Mektebi.
- Fouzi Çakmak’s Tomb: The tomb of a prominent commander from the War of Independence.
- Tomb of Nasip Fazıl Kısakürek: The resting place of a famous writer.
Nearby Attractions
Several notable attractions are close to Pir Loti Hill:
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque: A significant holy site in Istanbul.
- Miniaturk Park: A park featuring miniature models of Turkish landmarks.
- Dolphinarium Park: Europe’s largest water park, about 20 minutes from Pir Loti Hill.
- Galata Tower: Offers panoramic views of Istanbul.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque: A historical mosque that was originally a church.
- Grand Bazaar: One of Istanbul’s largest and oldest covered markets.
- Topkapi Palace Museum: A grand museum housing significant Ottoman artifacts.
- Pera Museum: Features valuable Ottoman-era paintings.
- Zal Mahmoud Pasha Mosque: Built in 1557 by a notable Ottoman architect.
- Kariye Mosque: Originally a 6th-century church, converted into a mosque in 1945.
Access to Pir Loti Hill
Pir Loti Hill is easily accessible via public transportation:
- Metrobus: Get off at the Ayvansaray station and walk to the Pir Loti cable car, or use the Eyüp Sultan cable car from the Cibali tram line.
- Bus: Routes passing through Eyüp Sultan include Yeni Kapı, Edirne Kapı, and Emin Ali Paşa.
- IETT Buses: Use these to reach Pir Loti Hill, where you can either walk or take the cable car.
- Taxi: Available but more expensive compared to public transport.
- Private Car: Parking is available around Eyüp Sultan Mosque, though it requires payment.
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