Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, is one of the most lavish palaces in Istanbul. Completed in 1856, it served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace's design combines traditional Ottoman architecture with elements of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, including the grand Ceremonial Hall, which boasts a massive crystal chandelier, and the Sultan's private quarters. The palace gardens, with their meticulously landscaped grounds and stunning views of the Bosphorus, add to the splendor of this magnificent site.