Rumeli Hisarı

Istanbul, Turkey

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Opening hours: Th-Tu 09:00-17:00

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

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Rumeli Hisarı is a medieval Ottoman fortress on the European banks of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's Sarıyer district, built between 1451 and 1452 by order of Sultan Mehmed II. Also known as Boğazkesen (Strait-cutter) Fortress, it was constructed to blockade maritime relief to Constantinople during the Ottoman siege, working in tandem with its sister fortress Anadoluhisarı on the opposite shore to control all naval traffic through the straits. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the fortress served as a customs checkpoint and occasional prison for foreign embassies. Badly damaged in the Great Earthquake of 1509, it was repaired and remained in use until the late nineteenth century. Now a museum open to the public, Rumeli Hisarı also hosts seasonal concerts, art festivals, and special events.

Built: 1451
Type: castle, museum
Place: Istanbul, Turkey

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Location

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