Rumeli Fortress Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

Rumeli Fortress Museum, also known as Rumeli Hisarı Museum, is a significant historical site located in Istanbul, Turkey. This fortress was constructed under the orders of Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1452, primarily to control the passage of ships through the Bosphorus. The construction involved a large workforce, including 300 masters, 700-800 workers, 200 carriage drivers, boatmen, and transporters.

The fortress lost its military importance after the conquest of Constantinople and was used as a state prison from the 16th century onwards. It suffered damage in a fire in 1746 and was repaired during the reign of Sultan III. Selim (1789-1807). After being neglected for a period, it underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1953 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the conquest.

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It was opened to the public as a museum in 1968, following the completion of the restoration initiated in 1953. The museum’s collection includes various artifacts related to the Ottoman period, including cannonballs used in the conquest, cannons from the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, late Ottoman cannons, various stone artifacts from the Eastern Roman Empire, and parts of the Golden Horn chain.

The fortress is renowned for its medieval architecture and large towers built by the three viziers of Fatih Sultan Mehmet: Çandarlı Halil Pasha Tower (22 meters), Zağanos Pasha Tower (21 meters), and Saruca Pasha Tower (28 meters). These towers still retain their original wooden floors. The Saruca Pasha Tower is notable for its divanhane (council chamber) with exceptional acoustics and graffiti from its time as a prison. The Zağanos Pasha Tower features a two-line naskh inscription, the first Turkish inscription on the Bosphorus.

The fortress’s natural surroundings also stand out, with its pine nuts, Judas trees, and wild ground coverings, reflecting the typical flora of the Bosphorus throughout the seasons. Additionally, the site offers three viewing terraces, providing some of the most beautiful vistas in the world.

The museum is open every day except Mondays, with opening hours from 09:00 to 17:00. The ticket office closes at 16:00. The entrance fee is 130 Turkish Lira. For more information, visitors can contact the museum via email at [email protected] or by phone at 02122635305. The address is Yahya Kemal Caddesi No: 42, Rumelihisarı Mahallesi, 34470 Sarıyer, Istanbul.