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Dolmabahce Palace: A Glimpse Into the Lives of Ottoman Sultans, their Stunning Interiors, & More
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Dolmabahçe PalaceDolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace was built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid I in the mid-19th century to replace the Topkapi Palace as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It features a fusion of Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. When visiting the Dolmabahce Palace, make sure to explore its ceremonial halls like the Medhal Hall, the Ceremonial Hall of the Valide Sultan, and the Crystal Staircase. You can also enjoy a light brunch at its cafe and catch stunning views of the Bosphorus River and the Eastern side of Istanbul.
Quick Facts About Dolmabahce Palace
- Address: Visnezade, Dolmabahce Cd., 34357 Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Architect: Garabet Balyan, Nigogayos Balyan, Sarkis Balyan and others
- Built: 1843 to 1846
- Architectural Style: A combination of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo styles
- Number of Visitors Per Year: 1.5 million
- Function: Served as the administrative center and main residence of the Ottoman Sultans
Plan Your Visit to Dolmabahce Palace
Opening Hours
Getting There
Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Last Admission: 5:30 PM
Closed On: Mondays, New Year’s Day, 1st day of the Ramadan Bairam, and 1st Day of the Feast of Sacrifice
Duration of Visit: Around 1 to 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning on weekdays
Best Months to Visit: March to May
Address: Visnezade, Dolmabahce Cd., 34357 Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
Nearest Landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar
Nearest Train Station: Sultanahmet and Sirkeci
Nearest Bus Stop: Eminonu-Ekspres Yonu and Eminonu-Sahil Yonu
Things to See at Dolmabahce Palace
Medhal Hall
The Medhal Hall was used as a reception area for the sultan's guests and dignitaries. It features a beautiful crystal chandelier, one of the largest in the palace, and intricate frescoes and carvings along the walls and ceiling.
Mabeyn-i Humayun
When you enter this hall, you get a sense of the power and prestige of the Ottoman Empire and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. It was used as a place of reception for ambassadors and foreign dignitaries visiting the palace.
Muayede
Muayede Hall was used for the grandest ceremonies of the Ottoman Empire, including the coronation of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1876. The hall features an impressive dome, which is adorned with stunning frescoes and intricate gold leaf decorations.
Zulvecheyn Hall
The Zulvecheyn Hall is renowned for its impressive size and stunning crystal chandeliers, which are among the largest in the world, weighing over 4 tons each. You will also find ornate gold leaf decorations and intricate carvings on its walls.
Clock Tower
Standing 27 meters tall, the clock tower was built in 1890 and has been keeping time for over a century. It features a distinctive Ottoman-style design. You can climb up to the clock tower's top and enjoy panoramic views of the palace and the Bosphorus Strait.
Harems
The Harem section of Dolmabahce Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman sultans and their families. You can explore their living quarters, study, and reception rooms. Look out for their stained glass windows and lavish tilework.
Library
The library contains over 25,000 books in several languages, including Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, with the oldest book dating back to the 9th century. It also has many rare manuscripts, including one of the last handwritten copies of the Quran from the 19th century.
Palace Gates
The gates are made from wrought iron and are adorned with intricate patterns and motifs. They served as the entrance to the palace during the Ottoman Empire and witnessed several crucial moments in Turkish history.
History of Dolmabahce Palace
The construction of Dolmabahce Palace began in 1843 under the orders of Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid I and was built to replace the Topkapi Palace as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The construction of the palace took 13 years to complete and cost the equivalent of 35 tons of gold. Many important political events took place at the palace, including the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which established the modern borders of Turkey. Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey, with over 285 rooms, 46 halls, and 6 Turkish baths. It served as the residence of the sultan and his family until the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1922. Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction and an important symbol of Ottoman history and culture.
Architecture of Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace features a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. While the exterior facades, domes, and ceilings have Neoclassical features, the Crystal Staircase, adorned with Baccarat crystals takes one on a trip down the bygone days. The palace also houses a variety of notable artworks and statues, such as the colossal Crystal staircase and the impressive painting of the world-famous Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Additionally, you can explore the palace's extensive gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Palm Garden, and the Camellia Garden, which provide breathtaking views of the Bosphorus River.
Book Dolmabahce Palace Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul
What is Dolmabahce Palace?
Built in the 19th century, the Dolmabahce Palace served as the primary administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It features both European and Ottoman elements. The Palace is renowned for its opulent interiors adorned with exquisite chandeliers, grand staircases, and extravagant artwork.
Why is Dolmabahce Palace famous?
The Dolmabahce Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I, the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Thousands of tourists visit the palace every year because of its opulent interiors and historical significance. It served as the primary administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and features a combination of European and Ottoman elements.
How much are Dolmabahce Palace tickets?
Dolmabahce Palace tickets range from €28.90 to €33. At €28.90, you can skip the line to enter the palace, gain access to the Harem section, and also receive an audio guide to make for a more informative experience. At €33, an expert English-speaking tour guide will take you around the palace.
What can I do at Dolmabahce Palace?
When visiting the Dolmabahce Palace, look out for its magnificent halls and opulent interiors. The Crystal Staircase, Medhal Hall, and the Ceremonial Hall of the Valide Sultan are some popular rooms that you must check out at the Palace. Also, make sure to walk around the Dolmabahce Gardens and enjoy beautiful views of the Bosphorus River and the Eastern side of Istanbul.
Who designed Dolmabahce Palace?
The Dolmabahce Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I. The architectural design was led by the Armenian architect Garabet Balyan, along with his son Nigogayos Balyan.
When was Dolmabahce Palace built?
The construction of the Dolmabahce Palace began in 1843 and took around 13 years to complete. The architect Garabet Balyan along with his son Nigogayos Balyan ideated the construction, blending traditional Ottoman elements with European styles.
What is the main purpose of Dolmabahce Palace?
In 1843, Sultan Abdulmecid I commissioned the Dolmabahce Palace to serve as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The blend of European and Ottoman architectural elements showcases the transcultural influences and is an attempt to modernize the administrative center.
Where is Dolmabahce Palace located?
Dolmabahce Palace is located on Visnezade, Dolmabahce Cd., 34357 Besiktas in Istanbul, Turkey.
How can I get to Dolmabahce Palace?
The most economical way to reach the Dolmabahce Palace is to get on the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or the Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) train or take the M2 metro or the T1 tram. The Dolmabahce Palace is an 8-minute walk from the Sultanahmet station.
What are Dolmabahce Palace's timings?
Dolmabahce Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every Tuesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays.
How many entrances does Dolmabahce Palace have?
Dolmabahce Palace has two entrances- the main entrance with wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators, also known as the Imperial Gate, and the side entrance or the Gate of Treasury.
How long should I spend at Dolmabahce Palace?
You should keep around 1 to 2 hours on hand to fully explore the ceremonial halls, grand interiors, and vast gardens of the Dolmabahce Palace.
Is it worth visiting Dolmabahce Palace?
Yes, if you love history and art, you must visit the Dolmabahce Palace. It has bore witness to several crucial events in Turkish history and served as the official administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The Palace is also known for its grand interiors, crystal staircase, and well-manicured gardens.
