Dolmabahçe Palace
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Dolmabahçe Palace - by Alexxx1979 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Description
Dolmabahçe Palace was the sultan's residence and the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during most of the period between 1856 and 1922. With 285 rooms and 46 halls, it is the largest palace in the country. It was built under Abdülmecid I as a more modern alternative, in line with other European courts of the time, and the project was so expensive that it severely worsened the financial difficulties of the Empire. Designed by the Balyan architects (father & son), it mixes Baroque, Neoclassical and Rococo elements. The decoration is extremely lavish with heavy use of gold and crystal; the world's largest Bohemian chandelier is in the Ceremonial Hall. Highlights include several of the halls such as the Blue Hall and the Pink Hall, the harem and the various gates at the edge of the complex.
Access & Transport
The palace is located along the Bosphorus, on the European side, between the Kabataş and Beşıktaş ferry piers. The Kabataş tram station (T1) is 600m away.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with nearby Yildiz Park or Taskim/İstiklal neighbourhood. We also recommend not visiting the other palaces such as Topkapi, Beylerbeyi or Küçüksu on the same day to avoid mixing memories...
Environmental & Social
Marginally negative from an environmental standpoint due to the electricity requirements. Preserves the city's artistic, historical and architectural heritages
Conclusion
Dolmabahçe Palace is not only visually stunning, it is also the symbol of the late modernization of the Ottoman Empire in the mid-19th century and thus acts as a bookmark in the country's history. A stark contrast with the century old mosques, churches and Walls of Constantinople.
Key positive
Some impressive halls and decoration
Easy to get to from the city centre
Key negative
Quite repetitive after a while
Quite expensive
Suitability
It is unclear if the Palace is fully wheelchair accessible, we do not think it is the case.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:2h 15m
Monday -
Tuesday09:00 - 17:30
Wednesday09:00 - 17:30
Thursday09:00 - 17:30
Friday09:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:30