July 10, 2012
Greece/Turkey Trip
Julide gave us our instructions for the day and got us headed in the right direction-- we walked toward the Dolmabahce Palace; she then proceeded on her way to give a tour for the cruise ship tourists.
Greece/Turkey Trip
Julide gave us our instructions for the day and got us headed in the right direction-- we walked toward the Dolmabahce Palace; she then proceeded on her way to give a tour for the cruise ship tourists.
We had an early start for our morning… up at 6:00 a.m. dressed, ferry ride, and now here at the Palace by 8:00 a.m. Julide told us to be in line by 8:30, because the line gets long fast and can be a 2-hour wait in the sun. We found ourselves second in line
behind a mature couple from California, (I'm thinking we must be considered a mature couple now as well--haa) we had a nice visit until the Palace
opened at 9:00 a.m.
After purchasing our ticket, we made our way through the ornate gate and onto the palace grounds. This was our first view of the Dolmabahce Palace... and it was grand! |
The palace was built between 1843-1856. The construction cost five million Ottoman mecidiye gold coins, which is the equivalent of 35 tons of gold! It was built on the Bosphorus Strait and contains a lot of gold and many crystals. It is the largest palace in Turkey. The palace sits on 11.2 acres and contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths and 68 toilets; having three main areas (1) Selamlik- the quarters reserved for the men; (2) Harem- the residential apartments for the family of the Sultan; and (3) the Ceremonial Hall.
I found this picture on the web that was taken from the air and it gives you a better perspective of it's massive size. And even here, you can not see everything! |
Detail at the top of the Treasury Gate |
This was to our right -- another gate for entry to/from the water. |
I cannot describe in words how beautiful the palace was. All of the surrounding grounds were well-tended and so picturesque. It
was truly beautiful! First
thing, we took a full-guided tour of the Palace. Photos inside were not allowed; so I will take the liberty to share a couple photos from the web with you in a bit, of a few things inside the Palace.
But first, before entering the Palace we had the opportunity to wear these lovely footies over our shoes to protect their woven mats, rugs, and wood flooring throughout the Palace... I don't blame them. |
Clock Tower in front of the Palace was constructed between 1890-1895 |
Here is a picture of the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier that hangs in the Ceremonial Hall.
This shows some of the Ceremonial Hall and it's grandeur. |
This is the best photo I have come across of the crystal banisters! |
The chandelier was not lit up while we were there, but we can all have a glimpse of the magnificent elegance it held. |
Our day will continue with a ferry ride to one of the Princes' Islands where we will meet up with Julide's boyfriend, Tolga.
To be continued...