The Galata Hotel Istanbul Collection - Luxury hotel - Read The Story

Our History

You are going to travel one of the four oldest Hans of Galata named as “Baltazzi Han” between the years 1856-1890 which is build by “ Baltazzi Family”, the famous bankers of 19th century.

It is said that Baltazzi Family made a secret agreement with Ottoman Empire and built “Baltazzi Han” for the sake of economical wellbeing of the Ottoman Empire. Han is a neoclassical edifice which represents the architectual features of “transition han” from classical Ottoman han to office han.

During 1889, printing house of La Turquie newspaper was also located in these walls. Imagine that how many stories written and read about Istanbul between these walls.

After the first building Han was used to named “Agopian Han”, It was used by Deutsche Orient Bank until the end of World War I. Banca Commerciale Italy was also serve in the building between the years 1940 and 1976. It is known that Istelyo Movie Company was also located in the building at the time. Han used to be as popular as it is now.

During your stay, you are going to travel into time with the hand-drawn frescos, stone-brick walls, vaults of our building. And we should say that the story of the hotel building is continue with you.

Safe boxes on our Lobby is from the Deutsche Orient Bank time if you would like to enjoy the photo shooting in front of the safe boxes, our team will be pleased to help you.

Not only our hotel building has a historical and cultural heritage but also our Cesme Hammam has 300 years history. Cesme Hammam was builded during the Tulip Era times of the Ottoman Empire by the commander of the Ottoman Navy, Kaymak Mustafa Pasa and it continues the custom of the “treatment of the water” since 1720. You should experience the magical athmosphere of The Cesme Hammam with its magnificent dome during your stay.

Please accept our welcome gift, represents our historical building using as a bank, a memory for you to remind your Istanbul trip. We would be pleased to welcoming you again and giving another one in the future.

Enjoy this amazing “Han” which hosts various cultures during its history and now it is time to welcome you.

Wish you a pleasant stay at The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery!