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Rumeli Fortress

Yahya Kemal Caddesi, Rumeli Hisarı, İstanbul

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.

Meta review

The most recent reviews highlight that the site is going through extensive renovation work which impacts the quality of the visit. However, it is still worth visiting according to those reviewers, for the history and the views.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 40m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

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

Season 2

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€6
Adult
18 - 64
€6
Teen & Young
8 - 17
€6
Child
3 - 7
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
No child price and age threshold stated on the website

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