Istanbul is known to everyone for its picturesque areas, landscapes and sights. The largest number of mosques, palaces and historical sites are located here. In Istanbul, in this amazing corner of the world, you can find incredible historical monuments. One of them is the Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi).
History of the castle
The palace is located in the area of the picturesque Beylerbeyi district, located on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait in the Asian part of Istanbul, where the famous Princes’ Islands are definitely worth a visit. The palace building was built on the instructions of Sultan Muhmud II in 1827. It was located on the shore, so it had a stunning view from its windows. Krikor Balyam, known at that time, acted as the architect.
However, during the time of Sultan Abdul-Majid the first, the building burned down in a terrible fire. The wooden walls were almost completely destroyed.
Today the building has turned into a summer residence of the sultans. Honored guests also stay here, including the Austrian Emperor Joseph France, the Russian Prince Nicholas, Empress Eugenie of France and the wife of the great Bonaparte.
Description of the palace
Initially, the area of the Beylerbeyi Palace and its complex occupied about 160 thousand square meters.m. In 1861, the palace was rebuilt and still stands in this form. It is made entirely of white stone and rare white marble. The palace was built in the classical Baroque style. In fact, the palace is not very large, but it is decorated with numerous unique external columns and balconies. The palace looks like from a movie of those times. It includes six state rooms, a spacious kitchen and a pantry on the ground floor, as well as 26 rooms.
The decor inside the palace is made in European and Oriental styles. Many unique watches from famous French masters, handmade carpets, crystal chandeliers complement the picture of the interior entourage. The palace itself is divided into 2 parts.
The palace is surrounded by plants on all sides. A beautiful magnolia garden, stables, lots of sculptures and a huge swimming pool, all this can be found here. There is a large observation deck in the park, which offers an incredible view of the Bosphorus.
How to get there?
Address: Beylerbeyi, Beylerbeyi Kavşağı, 34676 Üsküdar/Istanbul
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:30, Monday closed
Ticket price: 60 tl
It is important to know
The garden is free to visit, but the palace itself is allowed only with tourist groups (with an excursion). At the same time, an excursion in English is conducted only when a certain number of tourists gather.
The palace and the garden are connected by a closed tunnel, which today houses small exhibitions and souvenir stalls. You can’t take pictures inside.
There is a cafe near the palace where tourists can have a snack or drink a cup of coffee. You can have a dinner both on the summer terrace and indoors with heating.
We advise you to come to the Beylerbeyi Palace for a few hours, you will be impressed. The Beylerbeyi Palace evokes aesthetic pleasure and a sense of enthusiasm among visitors.
You can read this article in Russian language: Дворец Бейлербей — старинная летняя резиденция для султанов
