Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of the most glamorous palaces in the world
- Houses the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier
Time required: 150 minutes
Phone: +90 212 236 9000
Web site: http://www.dolmabahce.go...
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Fri - Sun: | 9am - 4pm |
| Mon, Thurs: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General : | 20 TL |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Kabatas stop
Address: Vişnezade Mh., 34357 Istanbul
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: xiquinhosilva
Things you need to know:
- Dolmabahce Palace, one of the world's most opulent palaces and the largest in Turkey, was the royal residence of the last 6 sultans of the Ottoman Empire
- Abdül Mecid I built the palace in 1843-56. The former 13th century royal palace, Topkapi, lacked the up-to-date luxury
- The design of the new building attests to increasing European influence. It mixes elements of modern European styles (Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism) with traditional Turkish architecture and lifestyle
- It cost 5 million Ottoman golden coins (equaling 35 tonnes of gold) to erect the castle. 14 tonnes of gold was used for gilding the ceilings
- The palace has an area of 45,000m2 (11.2 ac), 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths and 68 toilets
- One of the world's largest crystal chandelier, a gift of Queen Victoria of England, hangs in the central hall. It contains 750 lamps and weighs 4,5 tonnes
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, turned the palace into a presidential residence in 1924
- He died in the palace at 9:05 AM on 10th November 1938. As a matter of respect all clocks in the palace were stopped at this time
What to do there:
- Decide which parts of the palace you want to visit. We recommend that you do not miss the Selamlık (administrative wings). This guided tour takes approximately 90 minutes
- If you have the time you can also visit the Harem. This separate guided tour takes 45 minutes
- Buy your entrance ticket(s) at the main entrance gate
- Walk through the palace's well-maintained garden, with a small pool flanked by lion statues
- Take a look at the magnificent ceremonial land gate
- Follow your guide on the guided tour of the administrative wings
- Take your time to enjoy the garden and the view of the Bosphorus
Tips & Insights:
- All visits are guided and you can visit the palace only in groups (due to security reasons). Tours starts about every 15 minutes
- It is strictly forbidden to take photos and videos inside the palace
