The impressive views of Istanbul from this Imperial Ottoman summer residence, aptly named the Palace of the Lord of Lords, are fit for a sultan.
The opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz in the 1860s, was designed to be an intimate place to host foreign dignitaries visiting the Ottoman Empire. Nowadays, visitors can gaze out across the Bosphorus to Istanbul's Old City, or enjoy the palace's glamorous surroundings, as guests such as Empress Eugénie of France or the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia might once have done.Although more lavish than most European or American buildings, Beylerbeyi Palace is less ostentatious than Istanbul's other palaces. It's smaller too, with around 20 rooms over 3 floors, divided into areas for men and women.The design by architect Sarkis Balyan may have been relatively reserved, but the furnishings and décor remain incredibly opulent. Take in the original carpets, curtains, wallpaper and furniture, and don't miss the spectacular crystal chandeliers and Egyptian reed mat flooring. Stroll through the central salon and marvel at the indoor fountain. Beylerbeyi Palace was the last residence of the deposed Sultan Abdülhamid II, who crafted many of the wooden chairs and cabinets in the palace while he was under house arrest here in the 1910s.The palace's rear garden features several terraces and stables arranged around a grand pool. Enjoy the leafy surroundings while taking tea at the garden café – a welcome change from the heat and bustle of the rest of Istanbul. Or, if you'd prefer a scenic view of the Bosphorus, head out of the palace grounds to one of the many nearby eateries on the waterfront.It's a short drive to Beylerbeyi Palace across the Bosphorus Bridge into Asia. However, you get the best view of the waterfront facade (and the best photo opportunities) from the ferry. There's a fee to visit and the palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
