On the way to Izmir Asansör Elevator Tower

On the way to Izmir Asansör Elevator Tower

Traveling through Izmir again, today we will go to the so-called Asansör, a historic passenger and goods elevator in the Konak district, correctly in the Karataş district.

Asansör Tower (Asansör Kulesi) is arguably one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the Turkish city of Izmir, apart from the Agora and Clock Tower, and offers panoramic views of the entire city. From this iconic tower, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking cityscape and take truly unforgettable photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Subway and buses take us to the centre

asansoer izmir 02We start in the Buca district and have decided to use public transport, especially the subway.

We take the bus to the subway station, which is, as always, well filled. A little later we reached the city center, where we first encountered the well-known clock tower (please read more here).

The sea beckons us and so we decide to walk along the waterline to Asansör, also because our visitors don't know the city at all.

So it goes along the seemingly endless waterfront, even if the street noise is quite annoying.

Historical elevator to overcome the cliff

asansoer izmir 03Located about 3 kilometres from Izmir city centre, Asansör Tower has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Izmir, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world throughout the year.

Asansör is one of the few historical buildings in the Karataş district of Izmir.

The elevator was built in 1907 by the wealthy Jewish banker and merchant Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu as a public facility and made it easier to climb up the slope from the narrow coast of Karataş, which otherwise had to be climbed up by around 155 steps.

asansoer izmir 04The elevator was used to transport people and goods along the steep cliff between the two parts of the city. Over time, the small path that led to the building was named after this same name, Asansör Sokağı.

One of the residents of this street in the 1940s was the singer Dario Moreno, who would later achieve great fame. The Asansör building was recently restored and has since become one of the landmarks of the city of Izmir. This street later received its name in memory of Dario Moreno. One of the most famous restaurants in Izmir is currently located at the top of Asansör.

Up to the viewing platform of Asansör

asansoer izmir 05Of course, we also want to experience the elevator, which in the past worked using a water-powered mechanism, but today uses electric motors. The view from the platform is actually always fascinatingly beautiful, no question about it, so we extend our stay in the Karataş district a little longer, but the pictures show this more than clearly.

Location of Asansör Tower: Turgut Reis, Şht. Nihatbey CD. 76/A, 35000 Konak/Izmir, Türkiye.

Please read as well:

Dağ Pazarı - Lebanon Cedars and basilica from Roman times

Spaarndam - the eternal battle with the water

History

Life | Outdoors

Culture