Rumeli Fortress

Castle · Rumeli Hisari

Rumeli Fortress

Castle · Rumeli Hisari

1

Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null
Rumeli Fortress by null

Highlights

15th-century fortress with towers & walking paths  

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Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

rumelihisarimuzesi.com.tr

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Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

+90 212 263 53 05
rumelihisarimuzesi.com.tr

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@afar

"A Fortress in Istanbul Most visitors to Istanbul probably don’t realize that there is a fortress there. Located on the western shore of the Bosphorus (just south of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge) is a fortress that dates back to pre-Ottoman rule. Rumeli Hisarı (“roo-mel-li hee-sah-ruh”) was built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in preparation for his invasion of Byzantine Constantinople. The sultan built the fortress across the Bosphorus from the Anadolou Hisarı. Strategically, the two fortresses are located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus which allowed the Ottomans to prevent aid and supplies from ever reaching Constantinople. These days, the fort is a museum and a nice place for a stroll to catch magnificent views of the Bosphorus from the European side. There is a small entry free. The fort is closed on Wednesdays. In my opinion, the best time to go is Saturday morning because there is a town, within easy walking distance, that holds its weekly market then. Plus, there are plenty of cafes to catch a bite or drink. There are several ways you can get to Rumeli Hisarı but I took the No 559C bus from Taksim Square. It ends at the town above the fortress and it’s about a 10 minute downhill walk from there. You can catch the return bus to Taksim. Just ask the driver for information. Not many tourists come to Rumeli Hisarı so you can catch a bit of local life that’s not been tainted by tourism. You’ll truly be off the beaten path!"

If you only have three days in istanbul
View Postcard for Rumeli Fortress

Dave T

Google
At about 6 euro entry, but also included with the muze card, it's a realistic price for a site like this. However, the whole fortress is being restored, so you can not access any part of the walls , towers, and Ramparts. So, while the conservation works are ongoing, I wouldn't bother coming here. When open fully, I would definitely return. As of now, you'll spend more time getting there from the city centre than actually being there

David Bingham

Google
Beautiful site. Was being restored when we visited so could only walk around the garden. But for 6 Euros it was a great place to be in a bit of nature and escape the busy city.

Kyle MacQuilliam

Google
A mighty silhouette of Ottoman strength—best seen from the water. We passed Rumeli Hisarı during our sunset Bosphorus tour, and the view was nothing short of dramatic. Perched high above the strait, this massive fortress still commands the coastline, just as it did centuries ago when the Ottomans built it in record time to prepare for the conquest of Constantinople. Seeing it from the boat gave us a true sense of its scale and strategic power. Tarihi iliklerinize kadar hissediyorsunuz—you feel the history in your bones. Whether you’re a history lover or just admiring the skyline, it’s a stunning part of the Bosphorus journey. Kesinlikle görülmeye değer.

Maya Tryfonova

Google
Rumeli Hisarı or the Rumelian Fortress is an amazingly beautiful and magnificent fortress standing on the European side of the Bosphorus carrying the spirit of the past. It was built within just 4 months in 1452, by order of Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror), right before the decisive siege of Constantinople. Mehmed II knew that to take the city, he had to control the Bosphorus Strait and stop any help coming from the Black Sea, which is very close to it. That’s why he built this fortress on the European shore, right opposite the one on the Asian side built by another sultan - Beyazit at the end of 14th c. The fortress didn’t just protect the passage, it was like a powerful lock, blocking ships and giving the besiegers a huge advantage. This played a crucial role in the fall of Constantinople in 1453 - an event that changed the world forever and opened a new era and marked the decline of Byzantine and rise of the Ottoman Empire. Today, walking along the walls of Rumeli Hisarı, you can feel a special atmosphere - the whispers of history are almost audible, and the views over the Bosphorus make you think about how lives and great empires are intertwined. Very beautiful place which can also be seen from the ferry boat while travelling by the sea. P.S. Currenly can still be under restoration, so, please, check before going there or just enjoy safe ferry boat tour.

Hana Curdova

Google
Internet said its open, but it was uder construction and closed. I was not my first time here, I realy love this place 😊 Woman ať cashdesk send us to other side Anadolu Hisari and it was smaller but also beautiful 👌

Dr. Fida د. فداء Aidi

Google
Wonderful landmark. I liked it. Unsuitable for elderly people cause it needs like hiking upwards in order to see magnificent views

Shurik DAV

Google
I saw Rumeli Hisarı from a boat, and it was truly impressive! The massive stone walls rising above the Bosphorus are a powerful sight. Even from the water, you can feel the history. I'd love to explore it up close next time!

Rawan Bazadough

Google
Peaceful, breezy, green, and scenic with epic Bosphorus views! The tickets were x3 for foreigners tho.
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Saira K.

Yelp
If you take the Bosporus cruise, you will see the Rumeli Hisarı Fortress on the European side. Don't miss visiting this fortress because there are great views and there is so much history in this place! In 1453, after a thousand years, the Byzantine Empire came to an end with the Fall of Constantinople. For the next 500 years the Ottoman Empire ruled the area. Rumeli Hisarı means 'Fortress in the land of the Romans.' It was built in 1452 by the order of the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. You can take Bus 25E (Kabataş--Sarıyer) to reach the fortress. Get out at the Rumeli Hisarı stop.
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Katie H.

Yelp
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June, we got to Rumeli Hisari fortress. It was kind of an ordeal, because the bus that normally heads there leaves from the still-blocked Taksim Square route, so we hopped in an expensive taxi, leaving me cranky. This is off the beaten path for sure, and that probably explains why so few people were visiting this COMPLETELY AMAZING FORTRESS. I understand there's a lot to see in Istanbul, but if you want an attraction that will leave you feeling like you've actually experienced a part of history, this is where you should go. Here are some great things about Rumeli Hisari. - It's at the narrowest point of the strait separating Europe and Asia, which means that it's situated in a beautiful part of Istanbul that most people don't go to. I liked the walk to and from the grounds better than the view at the Galata Tower. - It's 5 TL to get in. That's about US $2.50. To climb all over a 700-year-old fortress. - You get to climb all over it. No, seriously, you get to climb. ALL. over it. When you see the turrets and guard towers of the fortress, you will already be blown away by how cool-looking they are. Now imagine your surprise mixed with happiness and terror when you realize that there are a bunch of incredibly horrifying narrow stone steps with no guardrail or alterations of any kind, and you can take them all the way up to the turrets and towers at 3-4 different points in the grounds. I am not particularly scared of heights, but I'm still scared of general dying, so I made my boyfriend hold my hand on the way up the part that went near a deep hole I can only assume was a death pit. The view from the top is phenomenal and was worth my consternation. - You will not see anything else like it in Istanbul. I know it's not near your hotel in Sultanahmet. But go anyway, because you will thank yourself for being an adventurous soul who gets to see amazing historical things. A couple cautions, that didn't affect my review but might affect your experience: - Don't bring your children. The steps are really terrifying. - A downside of the hands-off approach is that while there's a short guide in English to the fortress, I would have loved more information about what different parts of the fortress were used for. Plaques and guiding signs are largely absent.
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Burak S.

Yelp
It's an impressive fort in an impressive location. You can have breathtaking views of the Bosphorus from the top of this 15th-century Ottoman fortress. Today it's a museum, you can pay for the ticket and visit inside. Unfortunately the huge towers are closed to visitors nowadays due to the risk of falling therefore you can't go above the walls, but you can still get some nice shots if you go to the upper locations of the fortress. Many years ago they used to organize music concerts inside the fort, but not anymore.
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Rezaul K.

Yelp
I'm glad I made a trip down to Rumeli Hisari Museum. It is a little far from all the main attractions, but sure is worth the trip. You can either take a taxi or the bus from Kabatas (T1 tram stop) to Rumeli Hisari bus stop, which is right by the museum. Give yourself plenty of time when visiting the fortress because the traffic is absolutely horrendous. You can, however, take the bus or taxi to Ortakoy first (it's on the way), spend some time there, grab a baked potato, and then head over to Rumeli Hisari. There are lots of nice restaurants and cafes looking over the Bosphorus river. You can even walk alongside the river to avoid the traffic; it's a long walk so wear comfortable shoes. The fortress itself is incredible, and the view from top of the fortress is just amazing. Try avoid going on a rainy day; there aren't any railings, so it's a bit scary, specially on the rainy days!