Located in the historic peninsula of Edirnekapı, the Tekfur Palace Museum stands as the only surviving palace from the Byzantine era to the present day in Istanbul. Also known as the Blakhernai (Blaherna) Palace, the Tekfur Palace is operated as a museum by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Among the palaces used by the emperors during the most influential periods of the Byzantine Empire, the Tekfur Palace’s significance lies in its fortified structure, which served as protection against potential uprisings.
Unfortunately, the former grandeur of the Tekfur Palace, a structure with a history of 1400 years, has not fully survived to the present day. The palace and surrounding structures were burned and destroyed during the 57-year Latin invasion.
Through restoration efforts between 1955 and 1970, the palace managed to preserve some semblance of its former glory. It became one of the most important glass production centers in the city.
Legend has it that the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond, housed in the Topkapi Palace, was once located in the Tekfur Palace.
What to See
At the Tekfur Palace Museum, Byzantine remnants dating back to the 12th century can be observed.
The most striking section of the palace is its facade overlooking the courtyard within the walls. It’s worth noting the impost capitals on the columns with surface crossing motifs here. The columns and capitals, which lost their structural integrity, were renewed in 1955 and during the latest restoration.
On the other side, a small chapel is housed within the protrusion supported by marble consoles.
In the latest restoration conducted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the roof of the structure has been newly manufactured and covered with traditional Turkish tiles.
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
The Tekfur Palace Museum is open every day of the week except Monday, from 09:00 to 17:00. It is closed on Mondays.
How to Get There?
Location
Tekfur Palace is located in the Ayvansaray neighborhood of the Edirnekapı district in Fatih. Location map >>
Transportation
There are various alternatives for reaching Tekfur Palace:
If you are coming from the Anatolian side, you can take the Metrobus and get off at the Edirnekapı stop. You can also take İETT buses that depart from Seyrantepe, Topkapı, Kadıköy, Levent, Beyazıt, Mecidiyeköy, and Taksim and pass through Edirnekapı.
Contact Info
Address: Ayvansaray Mahallesi, Şişhane Caddesi, Fatih, Istanbul
Tel: 0212 525 61 30
Web: https://www.tekfursarayi.istanbul/