Topkapi Palace

ZelenkaBlazek's picture

Location

Istanbul
Turkey
41° 0' 38.232" N, 28° 58' 57.9504" E
TR
General info: 

For almost 4 centuries, Torkapi Palace was the main headquarters of Ottoman emperors. The name Torkapi translates from Turkish as ‘Cannon Gate’. Its construction started in 1459, on the spot where the walls of Constantinople were destroyed by the Ottoman artillery five years before.

In the times when the Ottoman Empire reached its peak, the Torkapi Palace was a kind of city within the city of Istanbul. As a part of this complex were a state treasury, huge library, mosque, and even a harem. Many artifacts from that period are preserved and are now on display in this museum. The most valuable item in the Torkapi Palace Museum is the sword of the prophet Muhammad, one of the most important relics of the Muslim world.

Getting there: 

The tram ‘Sultanahmet’ takes you to the street Babıhümayun Caddesi, where Torkapi Palace is located.

Costs: 

The entrance to the palace costs 25 Turkish Lira, while to enter the Harem, you need to pay 15 Turkish Lira.

You might be interested in

From museum lovers to museum haters, this museum is the one not to be missed. The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a one of the most well-known museums in NY. It is the permanent home to Modern and contemporary international art.

Built in 537AD, this monumental building has a tremendous history. Aya Sofya was originally intended to be a Christian church.

The Armoury is a part of the Moscow Kremlin and today serves as a museum. The items exhibited here are priceless.

Tretyakov Gallery is the best place to feel the real spirit of Russian culture.

In the middle of the Red Square rises a large pyramidal structure that serves as the resting place of Vladimir Lenin. It has been a part of Moscow life for more than 90 years.