Built – 1459-78. This palace was inhabited for four centuries and additions and renovations were made over time. There is a succession of courtyards from semi private to less private. Unlike many western European palaces it is a multi- purpose building, functioning as the treasury, government, court, home, stables, bath, dormitory for pages,… These are all wrapped into one palace, not separate buildings. It does have a wall and is a fortress but this is more a symbol of Imperial seclusion, it’s not very defensive.

By the way, not to rub it in but the weather was perfect today! The palace complex sets at the tip of the peninsula and there is a constant breeze. The view is of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn. Fabulous!

I know there are a lot of pictures here but this is only a third of what I took.