You guys might have watched the stunning opening sequence of ‘Skyfall’ the latest James Bond movie. Its shot in Istanbul, Turkey and the extreme stunt scenes were shot in Varda Viaduct, Adana Province, Turkey. Lets visit Varda today. The Varda Viaduct is locally known as “Koca Köprü” or “Alman Köprüsü” which means German Viaduct or Big Viaduct (bridge). The Varda Viaduct is a railway viaduct and is situated at Hacıkırı village in the Karaisalı district of Adana Province in the southern part of Turkey.
This stunning viaduct was designed and built by the Imperial German engineers and was part of the Baghdad Railway also known as Haydarpaşa Terminal in Istanbul-Baghda. Its architectural design consists on a beautiful stone arch structure which is 63 km from the Adana Central Station and just 306 km from Konya.
Since the release of ‘Skyfall’, Varda viaduct and the train journey across it has become one of the must do things on the Istanbul tourists wishlist. Lets glance through the gallery.
Varda Viaduct, Adana, Turkey
Train passing over Varda viaduct
Varda Viaducy, Adana, Turkey: An Aerial view
Bond stunt double dove backward off the 300ft from this Viaduct
Visitors above the train bridge
The Varda Viaduct features railway stations at each of the opposite ends namely Hacıkırı and Karaisalı Bucağı which are still served by the “Central Anatolian Blue train”. Hacıkırı is the nearest railway station from the viaduct with a distance of 500 meters. Portions of “Skyfall” the 23rd James Bond move was also shot here at The Varda Viaduct, Turkey.
Some facts about the Varda Viaduct
- Location: Hacıkırı-Karaisalı of the Adana Province in Turkey
- Owner: The Turkish State Railways (TCDD)
- Designed by: Philipp Holzmann & Cie, German Empire
- Total length is: 172 m (564 ft)
- Height is: 98 m (322 ft)
- Number of spans: 11
Places to visit in Istanbul
Istanbul, the capital of Turkey is one of the most popular Tourist destinations in the world. We have earlier posted about Turkey in our site. Istanbul combines the old world charm with the modern day sophistication Lets see some o the highlights of Istanbul.
- Hagia Sophia (Ayia Sophia, Santa Sophia, St. Sophia)
- Old Town Mostly the region around Sultanahmet
- Beyoglu in the Pera District
- Bosphorus
- Prince’s Islands (summer is the best time to visit)
- The Blue Mosque – Sultanahmet Mosque
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Hippodrome
- Obelisk
- Basilica Cittern – Yerebatan Sarayi
- Grand Bazaar – Kapalicarsi
- Spice Bazaar – Misir Carsisi
- Galata Tower – Galata Kulesi
- Maiden’s Tower – Kiz Kulesi
- Chora – Kariye Camii
- Princes’ Islands
- Istiklal Avenue – Taksim Square
Accommodation around The Varda Viaduct in Istanbul
- Neorion Hotel
- Hotel Amira Istanbul
- Sirkeci Konak Hotel
- White House Hotel Istanbul
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
- Hotel Sultania
- Wii Istanbul Suites
- Osmanhan Hotel
- Millennium Suites
- Tomtom Suites
- Muyan Suites