Where is that?
When my friend suggested we visit Rumelian Fortress, I was initially taken aback because I had never heard of it. Even my other friend, who lives in Istanbul, was unfamiliar with the place. It wasn’t until I actually saw it up close that I realized I had glimpsed it from a distance during boat rides along the Bosphorus. Now, it’s pretty obvious.
Rumelian Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an imposing fortress on the northern European side of Istanbul. Erected in just a year between 1451 and 1452, it played a crucial role during Sultan Mehmet II’s conquest of Constantinople. I can’t help but wonder what the citizens of Constantinople thought as this massive fortress was being constructed right before them. It was a bold move, and they must have sensed that a significant event was coming. That element of surprise is one of the things I found most fascinating about the castle.
After its role in the conquest, the fortress was used for various purposes, including serving as a customs checkpoint for ships passing through the Bosphorus.
Visiting:
Visiting Rumelian Fortress early in the morning was an incredible experience, especially since my friend and I were the only ones there. Having the place virtually to ourselves was magical, allowing us to wander through the grassy areas, climb the steps up the walls, and enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. However, be prepared for the summer heat in Istanbul; I was thankful we got there early to beat the worst of it.
While much of the castle is closed, and none of the towers were accessible, there were plenty of stairs to explore. Apparently, climbing the actual walls is prohibited, but since many stairs seemed open, I took my chances—figuring I could blame any misunderstanding on a translation mix-up if necessary. Just a heads-up: you need to be relatively fit to get around this huge fortress. I was surprised at how winded I got and joked that I probably would have been fired—or beheaded—by the Ottomans for my lack of stamina.
Logistics:
To reach Rumelian Fortress, you’ll need to take a bus. We took the 25E bus from Kabataş, and my friend, who speaks some Turkish, managed to navigate the process smoothly. I highly recommend getting an Istanbul Metro card while you’re in town; dealing with individual tokens can be confusing and more expensive in the long run. The entrance fee is about 5TL, and the fortress is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Arriving early will give you the chance to enjoy the place to yourself!