Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace is just a short walk from our hotel as well. They charge YTL 20 (about $15 or so) to get in, and it is well worth it. This palace was originally used by the Byzantine Emperors, and then greatly expanded by Mehmet II after he took the city in 1453.

One of the very few churches that was never converted into a mosque, Hagia Eirene, is on the grounds. It is seldom open, and then only for performances:

The palace grounds has a ton of buildings, most of which are tiled and arcaded


The whole scale of the place is approachable and pleasant. It was a nice time spent in and out of the buildings.



There are also some of the remaining Justinian (or were they Constantinian?) walls visible from the palace:


A relaxing morning