Imagine walking through the grand entrance of a palace that boasts history steeped in Ottoman tradition. The Beylerbeyi Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkiye, is an architectural masterpiece that tells the story of the opulent lifestyle of the royal family and their guests. Constructed in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, Beylerbeyi Palace has stood the test of time and still manages to mesmerize visitors with its intricate designs and lush gardens. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the history of Beylerbeyi Palace and explore its unique architecture and design. We’ll also provide practical information such as opening hours, tickets, how to get there from Istanbul, and tips for visiting. Join us as we unveil one of Istanbul’s most majestic historical gems.
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Beylerbeyi Palace’s History
Photo Credit: @millisaraylar
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul is Beylerbeyi Palace – a summer residence built for Ottoman sultans in the 1860s. Combining Ottoman and European architectural styles, this majestic palace has hosted numerous heads of state. Apart from serving as a presidential residence and museum in later years, it also houses an extravagant harem and fountains that add to its decoration. Crystal chandeliers inside the palace building are worth mentioning too. Visitors can take public transportation like ferries or enjoy a Bosphorus cruise to reach this historic gem.
Beylerbeyi Palace Opening Hours and Tickets
Visiting Beylerbeyi Palace is a must-do when in Istanbul. One can purchase Beylerbeyi Palace tickets online or at the palace entrance, and guided tours are also available for an additional fee. It’s worth noting that the palace remains closed on Mondays and select public holidays, so plan accordingly. To avoid long lines during peak tourist season, arriving as early as possible is best. With its stunning architecture and historical significance, a trip to Beylerbeyi Palace should not be missed.
How to Reach Beylerbeyi Palace from Istanbul?
To reach Beylerbeyi Palace from Istanbul’s Asian side, take a ferry from Eminonu, Kabatas, or Besiktas to Uskudar and then a short taxi ride. Buses are also an option. The palace is open every day except Mondays and Thursdays, and tickets are available on-site or online in advance.
Architecture and Design of Beylerbeyi Palace
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace served as a summer residence for the Ottoman Sultans, particularly Sultan Abdülaziz. Designed by Sarkis Balyan, who was also behind other national palaces like Dolmabahçe and Yildiz Palace, this palace building boasts magnificent decoration with French clocks and Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
As you tour the palace museum, you’ll come across rooms used to host important dignitaries such as heads of state, Duke, Duchess of Windsor, etc. You can reach this beautiful palace using public transport like ferries or enjoy a Bosphorus cruise to behold stunning views of Maiden’s Tower and Bosphorus Bridge from its terrace.
Interior Design
The interior design of Beylerbeyi Palace seamlessly blends Ottoman and European styles. Decorations like crystal chandeliers, intricate woodwork, and marble floors adorn the palace. Visitors can explore the harem section, famous for its colorful ceiling paintings and ornate furnishings. The court also has an impressive collection of valuable sculptures, ceramics, and photographs.
Garden and Pavilions
The Beylerbeyi Palace Garden and Pavilion offer visitors an escape to a peaceful oasis in Istanbul’s bustling city center. Built as a summer residence for Sultan Abdulaziz in the 19th century, this pavilion boasts stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait. It features lush greenery from all over the world, including rare species.
Walking through its garden lined with fountains creates an experience that reflects Ottoman style at its finest. Inside, visitors can admire crystal chandeliers from Paris’ Tuileries Palace and ornate decoration by Sarkis Balyan, one of the most famous architects of his time. The Beylerbeyi Palace provides insights into Turkish history and opulent design details like marble floors and intricate woodwork.
What are the Must-See Gardens in the Palace?
The Beylerbeyi Palace boasts a spectacular garden with an Ottoman-style design, showcasing an array of trees, plants, and exotic flowers. Visitors can also relish the stunning pavilion in the park’s heart, providing sweeping views of the Bosphorus Strait. Alongside highlights like the Rose Garden and Fruit Garden, this is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Museum Collection
The Beylerbeyi Palace Museum Collection showcases impressive Ottoman-era artifacts and decorative arts from the 19th century. The elegant display includes unique ceramics made with intricate calligraphy and exquisite furniture pieces that offer a peek into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman royal family. One must-see exhibit is a large chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria to Sultan Abdulhamid II. This collection is meticulously curated in a way that offers insights into the history and architecture of the palace itself. The palace museum houses exceptional decorative art pieces like textiles and delicate furnishings that will inspire visitors.
What are the Rare Artifacts in the Museum?
The Beylerbeyi Palace Museum boasts a collection of rare Ottoman-era artifacts, including historical ceramics, calligraphy, textiles, ornate furniture, oil paintings, and portraits of sultans. Visitors can explore Turkiye’s rich history and culture through these unique and valuable pieces.
Beylerbeyi Palace and Bosphorus Views
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace served as Sultan Abdülaziz’s summer residence during the 19th century. With its intricate Baroque architecture, luxurious French Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and beautiful marble pool, the palace is a historic gem that attracts dignitaries and heads of state today.
Explore its grandeur through guided tours that take you through rooms like Mabeyn, decorated with ornate French Clocks and a yellow pavilion adorned with exquisite decoration. Don’t miss out on visiting smaller spaces like a harem or guest room or soaking up breathtaking views from the terrace or ramps while enjoying public transportation ferries or a Bosphorus cruise.
Explore Istanbul Beyond Beylerbeyi Palace
Discover Istanbul’s fascinating cultural heritage beyond Beylerbeyi Palace. Witness panoramic city views from a Bosphorus cruise or dine at nearby restaurants to taste the local cuisine. Uncover iconic relics of Turkiye’s past like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahce Palace – once home to many Ottoman sultans – where you can marvel at exquisite decoration, crystal chandeliers from Paris, rare French Baccarat pieces, and ornate French clocks on display.
Explore petite beauties like Yildiz Palace’s large marble pool and Kiosk with its interior fountain. Immerse yourself in Turkish life by strolling through Balat’s colorful streets or visiting historic mosques like Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Suleymaniye Mosque.
Top Attractions in Istanbul
While exploring Istanbul, visitors will be fascinated by its rich history and culture. A few places that offer insights into its past are the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. For an authentic shopping experience, visitors can explore the Grand Bazaar to buy souvenirs or sample delicious Turkish cuisine from street vendors. To see Istanbul’s skyline from a different perspective and enjoy some breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Bridge as well as the Asian side of Istanbul is possible with a Bosphorus Strait cruise.
Best Restaurants Near Beylerbeyi Palace
Visitors exploring the historic Beylerbeyi Palace can also indulge in some of the best dining experiences that the Asian side of Istanbul offers. The district boasts some of the most mouth-watering seafood dishes and unique Ottoman and International cuisine blends.
Amongst the most well-known options is Çınaraltı Aile Çay Bahçesi, where visitors can savor traditional Turkish cuisine amidst serene gardens. Another popular alternative is Kanaat Lokantası, serving an exotic blend of Ottoman and International fares. Additionally, visitors must try Cevizli Kahve for its signature Turkish coffee and baklava.
Beylerbeyi Palace Visitors’ Tips and Suggestions
Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your visit to Beylerbeyi Palace-summer residence of Ottoman sultans-Sultan AbdulAziz amidst crystal chandeliers and French Baccarat.
- Firstly, plan to avoid long waits; ferries are available for public transport.
- Secondly, wear comfortable shoes as much walking is involved; ramps provide access to the entire palace building, including smaller rooms like Mabeyn and guest rooms where heads of state stayed.
- Thirdly, consider hiring a guide or availing public transportation to learn about decoration by famous architect Sarkis Balyan or Sultan AbdulHamid’s harem.
- Fourthly do not miss out on panoramic views of the Bosphorus Bridge and Istanbul while exploring national palaces other than Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace; explore the Asian side’s Beylerbeyi neighborhood too.
Best Time to Visit Beylerbeyi Palace and Avoid Crowds
Visitors planning a trip to Beylerbeyi Palace should remember some tips to help them avoid crowds and enhance their experience. To beat the rush hours when the palace is crowded with tourists from across the globe, visitors can plan their trip during off-season months such as October and May or visit early in the morning or late afternoon during peak season. Booking tickets online beforehand is advisable to save time waiting in queues. Comfortable shoes are a must-have, as the palace has many stairs and uneven surfaces. Don’t forget your camera; you’ll find plenty of beautiful spots inside and outside the court to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Beylerbeyi Palace is a rare gem of Ottoman architecture and design that offers visitors a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The palace’s history, art collection, gardens, and stunning views of the Bosphorus are an experience worth having. You can easily reach the castle from Istanbul by ferry or road transport. The best time to visit Beylerbeyi Palace is during spring or autumn when the crowds are less and the weather is pleasant. While in Istanbul, don’t forget to explore other top attractions and dine at some of the city’s best restaurants. If you’re planning your trip to Turkiye, make sure to include Beylerbeyi Palace on your itinerary!
