Historical Places in Istanbul, Rumeli Fortress

Istanbul Rumeli Fortress

The Rumeli Fortress, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus and in the northernmost district of Istanbul, is a striking monument.

The Rumeli Fortress played a role in the Siege and Fall of Constantinople in 1453 and that its very shape and details exemplify the historical developments that led to this world-changing event, the end of the Byzantine Empire.

The Rumeli Fortress began in 1453 at the order of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror placing the fortress at the narrowest point of the Bosphorous. The construction was completed in the short span of three months. Before the conquest of Istanbul it was used to protect against naval attacks. After the conquest it was used to as an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Istanbul Bosphorous.

Over the centuries, the area inside the fortress filled with small wooden houses but in the course of restoration work in 1953 these houses were removed. After its restoration, the fortress came to be known for the numerous concerts given here during the summer months, and it now serves as an open air theater and museum.