Yıldız Palace
Travel Point Overview
Yıldız Palace, the last great example of Ottoman palace architecture, is located on Yıldız Hill in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Initially used as a hunting ground by Ottoman sultans since the 16th century, the first pavilion was built by Sultan I. A
Yıldız Palace: The Last Glorious Ottoman Palace
📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
🏛 Construction Year: 19th Century
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan I. Ahmed, III. Selim, II. Abdulhamid
🎨 Architectural Style: Ottoman Palace Architecture
⏰ Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 16:00
🛑 Closed on: Mondays
💰 Entrance Fees:
- Local Visitors: 150 TL
- Foreign Visitors: 850 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 50 TL
🎟 Museum Pass: Valid except for Harem, Hasbahçe, and Küçük Mabeyn sections.
The Last Ottoman Palace: Yıldız Palace
Yıldız Palace, the last great example of Ottoman palace architecture, is located on Yıldız Hill in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Initially used as a hunting ground by Ottoman sultans since the 16th century, the first pavilion was built by Sultan I. Ahmed, which later expanded into a vast palace complex.
At the end of the 18th century, Sultan III. Selim built Yıldız Pavilion for his mother, Mihrişah Sultan, and a fountain for his father. Sultan Abdülaziz later added the Grand Mabeyn Pavilion, Malta Pavilion, and Çadır Pavilion, further enriching the palace.
However, the major expansion occurred during Sultan Abdulhamid II’s reign (1876-1909), when the palace was officially named "Yıldız Saray-ı Hümayunu." During this time, the palace became a vast complex that included the sultan’s private residence, official government buildings, repair workshops, a carpenter’s shop, a theater, a museum, and a library.
The palace features a magnificent Hasbahçe Garden, which includes a natural river-like pool and multiple independent pavilions, serving as one of the favorite retreat spots for Ottoman sultans.
During the Republican era, the palace was allocated to the Erkan-ı Harbiye Mektebi (War Academy) in 1924, later transferred to the War Academies in 1946, and finally handed over to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1978. In 1993, it was officially transformed into the Yıldız Palace Museum.
Key Highlights of Yıldız Palace
🏰 Grand Mabeyn Pavilion – The most majestic structure in the palace
🌳 Hasbahçe Garden – A beautiful garden with a natural river-like pool
🎭 Yıldız Palace Theater – A venue for private royal performances
📚 Palace Library – A collection of books from Sultan Abdulhamid II’s era
🛋 Harem Section – One of the most exclusive parts of the palace
How to Get to Yıldız Palace?
📍 Location: Beşiktaş, Istanbul
🚍 Public Transport Options:
- IETT buses and minibuses departing from Beşiktaş provide direct access.
- Take the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line to Kabataş and then transfer to a bus or walk towards Beşiktaş.
Entrance Fees & Visiting Regulations
⏰ Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 16:00
🛑 Closed on: Mondays
🎟 Museum Pass: Valid except for Harem, Hasbahçe, and Küçük Mabeyn sections.
💰 Ticket Prices:
- Local Visitors: 150 TL
- Foreign Visitors: 850 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 50 TL
🆓 Free Admission for:
- Children aged 0-6 (both local and foreign visitors)
- Students aged 7-25 with a valid student ID (discounted tickets apply)
- Foreign students must pay double the discounted ticket price.
- International students aged 12-25 must present an ISIC (International Student Identity Card).
🛑 Closed on:
- New Year's Day (January 1st)
- First day of Ramadan Feast
- First day of Eid al-Adha
📆 Open to visitors on all other days.
Why Visit Yıldız Palace?
🏰 The last grand Ottoman palace complex
🌳 A stunning garden featuring a natural river and scenic pavilions
🎭 A historic theater, carpentry workshops, and a grand library
📷 A perfect sightseeing spot with remarkable historical and architectural details
Explore Yıldız Palace with Advisormapp!
📲 Download the Advisormapp app to explore Yıldız Palace, access detailed historical insights, and enjoy audio-guided tours.
⏳ Don’t miss the chance to visit this magnificent Ottoman landmark on your trip to Istanbul! 🚀✨
