Mizzi Mansion stands on Çankaya Avenue in Büyükada’s Nizam neighbourhood and is one of the best-known historic buildings shaping the island’s skyline. Known locally as “Al Palas” for its red-brick façade and observation tower, the mansion offers 1,089 m² of usable space within a 1,560 m² garden and is protected as a Grade I listed cultural heritage property.

History and Architect

One of the key figures in the mansion’s history is Lewis Mizzi, a Maltese-born British lawyer and publisher. A well-known member of Istanbul’s Levantine community, Mizzi entrusted the mansion’s transformation to Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco because of his passion for astronomy. D’Aronco, who later became chief architect to the Ottoman court and left a lasting mark on Istanbul’s architectural heritage, reshaped the mansion in two phases according to Mizzi’s wishes.

Construction and Restoration Timeline

The mansion is believed to have been built in masonry in the 1860s. An observation tower and observatory were added in 1893–1894, followed in 1894–1895 by an extensive architectural renovation focused mainly on the principal façade. Photographs of this work and its decorative metalwork were exhibited at the 1896 Turin Art Triennial, drawing international attention. During the Republican era the mansion operated as the Hotel San Remo between 1930 and 1940. A restoration programme launched in 2018 included structural reinforcement and conservation work, preserving the building’s original architectural character.

Building and Layout

The three-storey mansion features 11 rooms, spacious high-ceilinged reception rooms and the historic observation tower that gives the building its identity. Its revivalist style, shaped by Late Victorian influences, combines with Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic details to create a façade without equal among Büyükada’s mansions. The original cistern and carefully preserved architectural details connect the mansion directly to its past.

Floor Areas

• Gross area: 1,300 m²
• Net area: 1,089 m²
• Plot area: 1,560 m²
• Number of floors: 3
• Number of rooms: 11

Garden and Features

The mansion sits within a large, carefully landscaped garden and enjoys views of the sea, the islands and the sunset. The historic observation tower and the original cistern are its most distinctive elements, while the high-ceilinged reception rooms offer volumes suited to family life or representative use. Beyond private residential use, and subject to approval from the relevant heritage conservation authorities, the mansion also holds potential for use as a boutique hotel, museum, art gallery or cultural venue.

Current Price

Mizzi Mansion is offered for sale in the Space İstanbul portfolio. You can view the current asking price, the photo gallery and full technical details on the listing page, and contact Space İstanbul advisors to arrange a viewing.

Transportation

The mansion is located in the Nizam neighbourhood near the Büyükada pier, on Çankaya Avenue, where many of the island’s most established mansions stand. Büyükada can be reached by regular ferry services from both sides of Istanbul, mainly from Kabataş and Bostancı, and direct access is also available by private boat and sea taxi. Limited use of motor vehicles on the island preserves a calm and protected living environment around the mansion.

What Sets Mizzi Mansion Apart

• Grade I listed heritage property: The mansion is one of the rare surviving examples of Istanbul’s 19th-century residential architecture and Levantine heritage.
• The signature of Raimondo D’Aronco: The building is among the most distinctive examples of D’Aronco’s early work in Istanbul.
• A place in the history of science: The mansion’s observatory is where Eugenios Antoniadis, Büyükada’s renowned astronomer, made his first observations and studied Mars and sunspots.
• International recognition: Photographs of the renovation were exhibited at the 1896 Turin Art Triennial, and the building has featured in international architectural literature ever since.
• Potential for alternative use: With its scale, garden and historic identity, the mansion may serve as a boutique hotel or cultural venue as well as a private residence, subject to conservation approvals.

Expert Assessment: Among Büyükada’s historic mansions, Mizzi Mansion stands in a category of its own in terms of scale, architectural identity and documented history. The structural reinforcement carried out as part of the restoration launched in 2018 addresses one of the most critical concerns for buyers of historic buildings of this size. The mansion offers an opportunity for buyers seeking a permanent residence as well as investors planning heritage or hospitality-focused projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mizzi Mansion?
Mizzi Mansion is located on Çankaya Avenue in the Nizam neighbourhood of Büyükada, in Istanbul’s Adalar district.

Why is Mizzi Mansion called Al Palas?
The mansion is known locally as Al Palas, meaning “Red Palace”, because of its red-brick façade.

Who was the architect of Mizzi Mansion?
The mansion was reshaped in two phases between 1893 and 1895 by Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco, giving it the identity it has today.

How large is Mizzi Mansion?
The mansion sits on a 1,560 m² plot, with 1,300 m² gross and 1,089 m² net usable area and 11 rooms.

Is Mizzi Mansion for sale?
Yes, Mizzi Mansion is for sale in the Space İstanbul portfolio. Contact Space İstanbul advisors for further details and viewings.