Image credit: stefanholmWhat
Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular sites for visitors in Istanbul. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Golden Horn.
The palace served as the administrative center and the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years between the 15th and 19th centuries.
This UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site palace got its name from the huge cannons displayed outside of its gates, called “Topkapi” or “Gate of Cannons” in Turkish.
Why
Relive the lives of Turkish royals at Topkapi Palace!
A tour around this historical landmark gives you a glimpse of the opulent lives of the Ottoman sultans and their families. Explore the lush courtyards, check out the kiosks, and walk around the pavilions to go back in time during the heydays of the Topkapi Palace.
Must-see highlights
Check out the Harem where you can find more than 400 rooms that housed the sultan’s wives, children, extended family members, concubines, and servants.
Visit Hagia Irene, a church originally, an armory later and a museum now. Here, you can find the weaponry that was used by the Ottoman army.
Ogle at the crown jewels and other valuable treasures at the Imperial Treasury.
