Rumeli Hisarı

Lonely Planet review

Just before the Fatih bridge are the majestic structures of Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı (Fortress of Anatolia). Mehmet the Conqueror had Rumeli Hisarı built in a mere four months during 1452, in preparation for his siege of Byzantine Constantinople. For its location, he chose the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, opposite Anadolu Hisarı, which Sultan Beyazıt I had built in 1391. By doing so Mehmet was able to control all traffic on the strait, so cutting the city off from re-supply by sea.

To speed Rumeli Hisarı's completion (he was impatient to conquer Constantinople), Mehmet ordered each of his three viziers to take responsibility for one of the three main towers. If the tower's construction was not completed on schedule, the vizier would pay with his life. Not surprisingly, the work was completed on time. The mighty fortress' useful military life lasted less than one year. After the conquest of Constantinople, it was used as a glorified Bosphorus tollbooth for a while, then as a barracks, a prison, and finally as an open-air theatre. Its amphitheatre still functions as a performance venue during the summer months, particularly during the International İstanbul Music Festival. Though not open as a museum, visitors are free to wander about Anadolu Hisarı's ruined walls.

Within Rumeli Hisarı's walls are park-like grounds, an open-air theatre and the minaret of a ruined mosque. Steep stairs (with no barriers, so beware!) lead up to the ramparts and towers; the views of the Bosphorus from here are magnificent. Just next to the fortress is a clutch of cafés and restaurants.