The Topkapi Palace is the best reflection of the imperial era in Istanbul

The Topkapi Palace is the best reflection of the imperial era in Istanbul and symbolizes the power that reached Constantinople as the seat of the Ottoman Empire. From this palace sultans governed their empire until the mid-nineteenth century.

The construction of the Topkapi Palace began shortly after Mehmed II took Constantinople. The original palace was inaugurated in 1465 During the following decades, the palace was extended by different rulers.

In 1856, Sultan Abdulmecid decided to move his residence to Dolmabahçe Palace, a palace of Western court.

Distribution of Topkapi Palace
In its 700,000 square meters, the Topkapi Palace has four buildings and multiple courtyards inside: weapons room, kitchen, royal stables, treasure and many more.

On premises (inside its walls) is the Archaeological Museum and other buildings of interest.

the Treasury
Among the many parties that has the castle, one of the most important is the Treasury.

The Treasury has some of the most valuable objects in the world, such as spoon-diamond (a diamond of 88 carats belonged to Ramolino Letizia, mother of Napoleon) or Topkapi dagger (the world's most expensive weapon, built in gold emeralds embedded).

the Harem
The Harem was the place where lay the Sultan, his family and a group of between 500 and 800 women of high cultural level trained in certain skills. The Queen Mother was the ultimate responsibility of the Harem.

To access the Harem you must purchase a separate entrance.

our opinion
The Topkapi Palace is a must-see in Istanbul. We recommend going early and visit the former Treasury and the Harem, since they are the places where most people throng as the morning progresses.