Şahkulu, Şahkulu Sk. No:20, Beyoğlu
Maison Madeleny and the Streets of the Tram Horses
The land registry of 1891 records Mr. André Madeleny — known for his pharmacy on the Grande Rue de Péra, today's İstiklal Avenue — as the owner of the property. In tribute to that heritage, we have revived the building faithfully under its original name: Maison Madeleny.
The streets around the building carry traces of Istanbul's transport history. Turkey's first horse-drawn tram line entered service in 1871 roughly 150 metres away; Tımarcı Street takes its name from the grooming and care of the tram horses, and neighbouring Otçu Street from the days when the horses grazed there. Across the street rise the historic Barnathan Apartments, whose cornices have hosted nesting doves since 1892 — two buildings that have been neighbours for more than a century at the meeting point of Galata and Pera.
In the restoration, the building's historic character was preserved with great care: the façades, marble staircases and elegant wrought-iron details are kept true to the original, with contemporary touches added for a comfortable stay. Staying at Maison Madeleny places you at the very heart of Galata's historic fabric — Galata Tower is just a one-minute walk away.
