Rumeli Fortress (The Best and New Guide in 2024)
Rumeli Fortress is a fortress built on the Anatolian side on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus. It was built by Mehmed II in 1452-1453 and played an essential role during the conquest of Istanbul. The castle was created to help the siege of Istanbul at that time and to prevent Byzantine ships.
Today, Rumeli Castle is open to visitors as one of the touristic places of Istanbul. The castle has panels and exhibitions describing how Mehmed II conquered Istanbul. There is also a terrace where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the castle.
Rumeli Fortress History
In the middle of the 15th century, the Turks were preparing for the siege of Constantinople, and one of the ways to prevent the entrance to the city from the Black Sea was the construction of the Rumeli Castle. It was built in 1452 by Mehmed II. Construction took a record short time from mid-April to the end of August. The total area of the region is 30 thousand square meters.
Previously, in 1390, across from this place, on the Asian coast, another castle, Anatolian Fortress, was built by the sultan’s grandfather, Yildirim Bayezid. Two forts built opposite each other in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus provided complete control of all ships passing from the Black Sea to the Bosphorus.
They were later used as authorities, customs gates, and prisons at various times. Rumeli Fortress was severely damaged by an earthquake in the early 16th century and a fire in the 18th century. In 1953 the castle began restoration, which took several years. Separate buildings were restored, and the court took the form it now has. The castle opened to visitors as Rumeli Museum in 1968.
What to do in Rumeli Fortress?
Rumeli Fortress is open to visitors as one of the touristic places of Istanbul. The castle has panels and exhibitions describing how Mehmed II conquered Istanbul. There is also a terrace where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the castle.
There is no exhibition hall or museum with exhibits on the castle’s territory. A total of 17 towers of different heights and shapes, surrounded by a castle wall, have been preserved here.
Rumeli Fortress is also an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful views of Istanbul. You can take beautiful photos by looking at the Bosphorus and other parts of Istanbul from the castle, and you can feel the historical atmosphere of the court.
How to Go to Rumeli Fortress?
It is easy to reach the castle from the Sultanahmet district. Take the tram. Get off at the last stop of Kabatas. Here, take buses 22, 22RE, and 25E and return to the previous visit. In Taksim Square, you must take buses numbered 40, 40T, and 42T. The stop next to the castle is called Rumeli Fortress. It would help if you walked a little on the Bosphorus barrier opposite the station to reach the castle’s entrance.
How much is the Rumeli Fortress Entrance Fee?
Rumeli Fortress entrance fee is 50 TL.
Is Istanbul Museum Card Valid in Rumeli Fortress?
Yes, Istanbul Museum Card is valid.
