Rumeli Fortress
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Rumeli Fortress - by archer10 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Description
Rumeli Fortress or Castle (Rumelihisarı) was built in 1451-52 in preparation for the siege of Constantinople by the Ottoman forces under Sultan Mehmed II. It is located 11km upstream from the Galata bridge, at the top of a hill on the European side of the Bosphorus straight, where it is at its narrowest (660m wide). It was designed to cut-off military and logistical relief from the north, working in tandem with the older Anatolian Fortress (Anadoluhisari) situated directly across it, on the Asian shore. The complex is about 250m long and its width varies between 50 and 125m. There are several towers and watchtowers linked by a curtain wall.
Access & Transport
The castle is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, close to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (the 2nd bridge over the Bosphorus), in the Sarıyer district. By public transport, the easiest is to head to Kabatas station (T1) and take a bus or minibus from there. Alternatively, some cruises include a stop and visit of the fortress.
Instructions & Recommendations
There were some significant renovation works at the time of this review. Best to have proper footwear as the ground can be slippery and bring some water with you in the summer. We suggest combining this activity with a visit of Küçüksu Pavilion on the opposite shore and maybe the Anatolian Fortress as well.
Environmental & Social
No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritages.
Conclusion
The fortress is worth visiting but as part of a Bosphorus cruise or a short itinerary taking travellers to various locations along the straits. The draw here is not just the fortifications but also the setting and there are several interesting neighbourhoods and attractions to discover on either side of the Bosphorus.
Key positive
Impressive setting
Important historical background
Key negative
Time consuming to get to by public transport
Renovation works
Suitability
Not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (steep and uneven grounds).
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 40m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY09:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 19:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 17:00