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Rumeli Hisari (Rumeli Fortress)
Tarabya Yeniköy Cad. north of SariyerAbout
Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress), located on the European side of the Bosphorus, was build by Sultan Mehmet II in 1452. The fort was built in preparation for the conquest of the then Constantinople and to block any possible attack coming from the Black sea. The fortress was strategically located opposite the Anadolu Hisari on the Asian side of the strait to halt the passage of foreign ships and to prevent any aid coming to the falling Byzantine empire. This beautiful piece of architecture was built in a very short span of just 4 months and 16 days and spreads across 16 acres of land. It includes a small tower, three main towers, watchtowers, a small mosque and a mini-amphitheater. After the extensive restoration work carried out in 1955, Rumelihisari was thrown open to the public as an open-air museum displaying the various weapons and canons that were used in the conquest. Nowadays, there are also concerts being held in the little arena inside the Fortress. After you climb the hills of Rumeli Fortress, delight your tired muscles with a "grande" Turkish breakfast at Sade Kahve or Kale Hisar.
