In 1479, by the order of Sultan Mehmed, the Topkapi Palace was built, which until the middle of the 19th century was the main residence of the Turkish padishahs. Today it is one of the richest museums in the world and one of the most popular attractions of Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace, built on the site of an ancient palace of the Byzantine rulers, off the coast of the Marmara Sea.

What to see

Topkapi is a whole palace complex with an area of ​​seven hundred thousand square meters, comprising first of four separate courtyards, stretching for five kilometers. It housed an orphanage, treasury and sofa (something like the Turkish government), armory (located in the church of St. Irina building the main cathedral of Constantinople princes), the bakery, the stables of the Sultan, a lush garden and flower garden with fountains, located at some distance The tiled palace, where the concubines lived.

Architecture

The architecture of the palace is quite diverse, ere to mix different styles, because the palace was repeatedly destroyed by fire or earthquake, and then it was again rebuilt, each time making certain adjustments. In 1856, a new residence was erected in Istanbul, which met the spirit of the times and was somewhat inferior in color to the Topkapi Palace, but since then only the wives of the first statesmen lived here. In 1924, when Turkey acquired the status of a republic, the palace was turned into a museum.

Interiors and Collections

Now exhibits are exhibited which were once the pride of the Turkish padishahs. In particular, the museum can be seen almost the most unique collection of porcelain - only twelve thousand items, including items made of white porcelain, the only ones in Europe. There are also various kitchen utensils, tableware made of silver, precious ornaments of sultans and their wives, and even thrones of valuable wood, completely covered with gold, decorated with ivory, pearls and other precious stones.

In view of the lack of space in the museum Topkapi exhibited only the most valuable exhibits of the collection, more than sixty thousand of them (the Romanovs and the Habsburg dynasties left a wealthier legacy behind them). In addition, there are also the relics of Ion the Baptist, the staff of Moses, before whom, according to legend, the sea depths, the sword of David and the brazier of Abraham parted.

How to get there

The museum works from 9:00 to 19:00 in the summer and until 16:00 in the winter, the day off - Tuesday. Admission fee - about eight EUR (entry 20 YTL; harem - 15 YTL)

Reviews of the Topkapi Palace (8)

Evaluation 7

I recommend to visit, only not in cold weather! January 08, 2015

Nika

was here in January 2015

Topkapi Palace Complex is a window into the history we looked into in January 2015. There were practically no queues for tickets. Visits of the complex costs 30 liras (2, 35lir = 1 dollar) +15 lira for visits to the harem. In general, I liked it except that the premises of the palace are not heated, I and the children froze and had to interrupt the examination and return to the hotel.
For those one and a half or two hours that we were, we managed to visit the harem's rooms and the treasury of the Sultans. Some rooms, including rooms where exhibited ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 10

The Palace of my dreams 08 June 2014

Nadia

was (a) here in May 2014

I have long wanted to see this famous palace with my own eyes and I am very happy. that I had the opportunity. I came from Istanbul only a month ago and I have fresh memories of what I saw. Of course, I understand that the series "The Magnificent Age" is now very famous and popular, but I still did not expect so many tourists in the Topkap Palace. After all, there were filmed some moments from this series and in general events took place in this palace. The entrance ticket costs 20 Turkish ... Read entire review

8

In pursuit of the Magnificent Age April 16, 2014

Elena

was here in August 2013

I like many fans of the series "The Magnificent Age" wanted to see firsthand scene of the series. After all, they filmed part of the series. But other than that, I studied the history of this palace and its inhabitants well. I want to say that I did not see such a line for a very long time, it was huge. though quickly passed. The palace fascinated me with its magnificence and size. I did not know where to rush first. It was useless for people to go, because they were literally everywhere. I visited the museum, where a ... Read entire review

Evaluation 2

Nothing good March 02, 2014

Mari

was here in March 2014

Nothing interesting in this historical sights were not found.
Everything is gray and dull! Except for the gilded inscriptions in the Persian language and the painted ceilings, nothing delighted us. It should be noted that on a visit to the palace we thoroughly prepared, studied the literature with descriptions and detailed plans of the palace, descriptions of travelers from the times of the Ottoman Empire, but were deeply disappointed! Exposition in the palace is extremely meager, except for the weapons room, the exhibition ... Read full review

Evaluation 6

Palace or barn? January 29, 2014

Olga

was here in June 2012

Topkapi Palace was the first attraction we saw in Istanbul. My impression of it was spoiled by huge crowds of tourists, it was very difficult to see something, the halls are stuffy and very noisy.
It was in this palace that the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, their wives, children and many servants lived. The palace was essentially a city in the city, it had its own mosque, its own hierarchy and its own laws. But, unfortunately, except for the walls and here and there the decorations of the walls from the palace remained little. Now about the past greatness and luxury ... Read entire review

Magnificent apartments sultans December 10, 2013

Natalia

was here in April 2013

I again came to Istanbul like many others on the wave of popularity of the famous TV series "The Great Silly Age". And it's not at all surprising that the first attraction I visited was the Topkape Palace. It was there that the events took place, which formed the basis of the series. Having bought a ticket for twenty Turkish liras, I approached these gorgeous gates, which I have shown in my favorite TV show. Entering inside, the first thing that struck me is the huge territory and a huge number of tourists ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 8

Palace of gray stone November 22, 2013

Evgeniya

was here in December 2012

Each city has the most important decorations. One of the jewels of Istanbul is the Topkapi Palace. Rather, not a palace, but a whole palace complex, a small world inside a huge city. I visited there in the winter, a year ago. Topkapi was given a separate day to visit, so as not to get tired and get around well. And that's right, there are so many yards and halls! To get there is very simple, on metrobases one and the same stop for Aya Sofia, Sultanahmet, Erebatan and Topkapi. It's an ancient part of the city. The entrance to the ... Read entire review

Evaluation 10

"The Magnificent Age" is removed on its territory November 11, 2013

Natalia

was here in August 2013

For more than a year I've been enjoying the Turkish series "The Magnificent Age, Roksolana". In it I admire everything from the outfits, to the luxurious apartments of the palace. The inspired interest sent me to visit Istanbul, for the sake of visiting the famous Topkapi Palace.
Our hotel was in the very center of historical Istanbul, so all the sights were close, so it was not far from the palace. There we went in the morning, I wanted to take a walk longer. The entrance fee is only 20 liras, ... Read full review