Beylerbeyi Palace Museum Entrance
A summer palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, built for Sultan Abdülaziz between 1861 and 1865 by Sarkis and Agop Balyan — the same family behind Dolmabahçe.
- At the gate
- £14.45
- Allow
- 1h 30m
- District
- Ortakoy
- Closed
- Open daily
Beylerbeyi Palace, in short
A summer palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, built for Sultan Abdu00fclaziz between 1861 and 1865 by Sarkis and Agop Balyan u2014 the same family behind Dolmabahu00e7e.
The name means 'Lord of Lords'. It was where the court came in summer, and where visiting heads of state were housed.
What it costs
Walk-up entry is u20ac17. Included on the pass.
Getting there
On the Asian side, just north of the first Bosphorus bridge. Take a ferry to u00dcsku00fcdar and a short bus or taxi up the shore.
How long to allow
An hour to an hour and a half, including the gardens.
What to see
The interior mixes European furnishing with Ottoman layout u2014 Bohemian crystal, French clocks and Hereke carpets in rooms arranged around a central hall with a marble pool.
The terraced gardens and the magnolia terrace look straight out over the water. Empress Eugu00e9nie of France stayed here in 1869 and reportedly had the window frames of her room copied for her own palace at home.
Who it suits
If you have already done Dolmabahu00e7e and Topkapu0131 and want a third palace without the crowds, this is the one. If you are choosing just one, it is not it.
Frequently asked questions
- Sultan Abdu00fclaziz commissioned it in 1861; it was completed in 1865 by the Balyan family of architects.
- 'Lord of Lords' u2014 Beylerbeyi was a senior Ottoman provincial title.
- On the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, just north of the first bridge.
- As a third palace, yes u2014 same architects, similar era, far fewer people. As your only palace, choose Topkapu0131 or Dolmabahu00e7e.