Edirne Palace, Ottoman royal palace in Edirne, Turkey
Edirne Palace was an Ottoman royal residence stretching along both banks of the Tunca River, housing multiple courtyards, pavilions, and administrative buildings. Today only scattered remnants remain, including the Justice Pavilion, a kitchen fountain, and various wells that once served the complex.
Construction began in 1450 under Sultan Murad II, and the palace flourished under Suleiman the Magnificent and later Mehmed IV. The complex gradually lost importance and eventually fell into ruin over the centuries.
Water held deep meaning in Ottoman court life, expressed through the fountains, pools, and underground cisterns scattered across the grounds. These features shaped how the royal household moved through and used the space every day.
The site is open for exploration on foot, with scattered remains spread across the grounds that visitors can examine freely. Comfortable shoes are helpful since the terrain is uneven and you'll be walking between different structures.
The Justice Pavilion, designed by master architect Mimar Sinan in 1561, served as the chamber where imperial decisions were made and laws were drafted. This single structure carries the stamp of one of the empire's greatest builders and reveals his design skill.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
