Rumelihisarı (Fortress), located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Turkey, on a hill at the European side of the Bosphorus. It gives the name of the quarter around it. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II between 1451 and 1452, before he conquered Constantinople. The three great towers were named after three of Mehmed II’s viziers, Sadrazam Çandarlı Halil Pasha, who built the big tower next to the gate, Zağanos Pasha, who built the south tower, and Sarıca Pasha, who built the north tower.
Rumelihisarı was built by Sultan Mehmed II between 1451 and 1452 in order to control the sea traffic on the Bosphorus strait and prevent aid from the Black Sea to reach Constantinople during the Turkish siege of the city in 1453, particularly from the Genoese colonies such as Caffa, Sinop and Amasra. In a previous Ottoman attempt to conquer the city, Sultan Murad II (1404–1451) had encountered difficulties due to a blockade of the Bosphorus by the Byzantine fleet.
Since 1960 Rumelihisarı has been a museum and an open-air theater for various concerts at festivals during the summer months.
Halil Pasha Tower, Rumelihisarı.
General view from Rumelihisarı, with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in the background.
it's exactly my kind of attraction. wonderful history, steep stairs, ruins, amazing views.
if it's raining the stones are quite slippery, but still it's a wonderful place. the views just get better and better when you start climbing. if you have a fear of heights you can still enjoy the climbing of the lower stairs, that give you the feeling…
The views from this place were spectacular. Beware there are a lot of stairs to climb but was well worth it. A definite must visit in Istanbul.
Rumeli Fortress is absolutely gorgeous and worth a visit. The entrance is cheap and you can explore and climb the many staircases that line the fortress. All of those staircases are open, and I would be cautious about bringing children or those who may find it difficult to climb so many stairs or could lose their balance, as there is…
To be honest I went there more than a year ago… I have a great souvenir of it as it was during summer and the weather was really hot. Going on the top of the wall of Rumeli castle was a bit dangerous (no barriers) but there was a fresh breeze. over Bogazici University is just above it and you…
Even though main towers are closed and place is far from other sights, it worth it. Great Bosphorus view accompanied with narrow railingless steps leading to small towers – nice attraction 🙂
Personnel checked out bags seeking food. I think they are trying to prevent picknicks here for keeping place clean.
Buses going there from Kabatas station are: 22, 22RE,…
Such a unique place for history buffs. Located on both sides (Asian and European) sides of Istanbul. Do not miss this out of the way place.
For a good day trip with kids rumeli is some fresh air and space away from the crowds. We started at the kabatas tram stop and took at taxi 25tl and 20 min to the fortress. 3tl entrance fee pp. Yes only 3tl.( food not allowed to be eaten inside) There are very few signs, which is the best part….
It is like going back in time. Lots of steps to climb, but it pays off with wonderful view. Quiet and relaxing.
Breathtaking views!!!. Bosphorus connect the Black sea to the Mediterranean, and dividing Istanbul in two Continents. Cenery can't be much better than this. We went to the Bosphorus cruise and we jump off from the boat in Kanalica, which is in Asian side. We came comfortably by taxi across the bridge to Fortress. Taxi paid for only 20 lira. You…
Though it was cold we run at the forest with friends for 1 hour but even the dead cats were not taken out from the path.