Description

Essentials about Beylerbeyi Palace in brief

Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the most important and beautiful palaces in Istanbul. It is located on the Asian side of the city, just a short distance north under the 15 July Martyrs Bridge across the Bosphorus. The former summer residence of the sultan and his family is famous for its opulent interior.

The history of Beylerbeyi Palace

Sultan Abdülaziz had the palace built between 1861 and 1865 as a summer residence in his favorite place. As a lover of the wild sea, he took this place, where the often strong northwest Poyraz wind hits the land, to his heart. The terraced gardens of the palace used to be called Istavroz Bahçeleri because it was here that Emperor Constantine the Great had a large cross erected to declare his conversion to Christianity (Istavroz is derived from the Greek word Stavrós for “cross”).

The interior of Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace served not only as a summer residence for the sultan and his family, but also as a guest house for crowned heads and nobles from all over the world. Accordingly, its interior decoration is opulent. From frescoes to crystal chandeliers to Ming vases, the palace is full of objects that are beautiful and expensive. Highlights of a tour of Beylerbeyi Palace include the first floor hall with its marvelous marble basin, the sultan’s richly decorated room, and the dining hall with chairs covered in gazelle fur. After a guided tour, you should definitely take the opportunity to have a glass of tea in the palace’s garden café.

Website

millisaraylar.gov.tr

Opening hours

Opening hours Apr. – Oct.:

Admission fees

Adults: ₺20,00

Concessions: ₺5,00

Children (Ages 6 and under): free

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Bus lines 14M, 15, 15B, 15C, 15E, 15F, 15H, 15K, 15KÇ, 15M, 15N, 15P, 15R, 15S, 15T, 15U, 15Y, 15Z, 15ŞN, Üsküdar – Ferah Mahallesi imd Üsküdar – Rasathane: Stop Beylerbeyi Saray

By car:

Parking is available on site.