Dolmabahce Palace is a luxurious mansion in Istanbul located along the gorgeous European coast of the Bosphorus Strait, and it is known locally as Dolmabahçe Saray. This magnificent imperial home, which is hailed as the most costly house in the world ($1.5 billion according to current estimates), is the perfect embodiment of Ottoman architectural grandeur.
Make sure to gaze at the palace's spectacular gates, adorned with inscribed and appliquéd golden leaves. The elaborate gates provide beautiful photo backdrops, particularly those that look out over the water.
There are ten gates in all, but the most beautiful ones are the Treasury Gate at the entry of Dolmabahce Palace and the Sultanate Gate that looks out into Dolmabahce Avenue. Both are embellished with popular picture motifs and tugras, the sultan's hallmark.
Dolmabahce, the name of the palace, means 'filled-in garden,' which makes perfect sense when one considers how the skilled Italian artisans of the period decorated both the inside and outside of the house with wide varieties of flowers.
Discover the richness of the plant life, which includes unique flora from Asia and America, as well as magnolia, cedar, and pine trees. Peacocks, ducks, and many more creatures may be seen. The natural beauty and peace of the Dolmabahce Gardens make them an absolute masterpiece.
The 45,000 square meter Dolmabahce Palace, which took the role of the historic Topkapi Palace as the residence of the Ottoman sultans, has 68 restrooms, six hammams, and 44 halls. The majestic Ceremonial Hall is undoubtedly the centerpiece of a palace visit.
The structural ornamentation, embellished with a variety of pricey jewels, gold, and everything vivid, boldly displays the building's historic majesty and appeals to every crevice and corner.
Keep an eye out for the heavily western-inspired décor as you go through the opulently adorned rooms and hallways of the official Selamlk area.
Admire the impressive collection of European antiquities, plush furnishings, stunning artworks, and custom silk carpets. In every nook and corner, one can see ornaments made of glass and crystal, marble stairs, and gold leaves.
The Ceremonial Hall (Muayede Salonu), utilized for state events, balls, and festivities, is one of the Selamlk's most spectacular chambers.
The legendary 4.5-ton crystal chandelier, the biggest chandelier in the world, is one of the palace's most impressive features and is on display here.
One of the most significant spaces in the palace, particularly for Turks, is located in the harem. Dolmabahce Palace also contains a harem, in addition to Topkapi Palace.
The Selank portion separates the Harem, which served as the royal family's and the Sultans' exclusive residence. You may tour the royal family's chambers within the Harem, which take you back to the Ottoman era.
Admire the outstanding collection of 71 clocks from the 18th and 19th centuries, including British, French, and Ottoman designs. The collection, housed in the storerooms, was made public after the Clock Museum's debut.
The clock tower is located in the plaza's center, next to Dolmabahce Palace. It displays the weather in addition to the time. Today, people want to take photos at the clock tower. This one wins for aesthetic impact among the opulent sites across the globe!
The eleven divisions that make up the Painting Museum are related.
You may see over 200 pieces by Turkish and foreign painters from the 19th century in a regal setting.
Duration RequiredVişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
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