T�nel

T�nel

The T�nel is a short subway line in Istanbul, Turkey. It is an underground funicular with only two stations, and a uphill track of approximately 573 meters. The T�nel is the second-oldest subway line in the world, after the London Underground.

The T�nel was opened in December 1874 to provide an easy ride between the two neighborhoods of Pera and Galata, both in the new district of Istanbul on the hill north of the Golden Horn. Many people used to work in the low Galata, and live uphill in Pera. The T�nel, climbing about 60 meters, saved them this difficult walk.

When it opened, the T�nel was powered by horses. The line began being powered by electricity in 1910. In 1971, the T�nel was renovated and modernized, and the original wooden cars were replaced by metal ones.

Today, the tiny T�nel is rarely useful for most of Istanbul's population - a larger (but separate) metro system is available, and other public transportation options include buses, cabs, and even a cable car.