Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, Byzantine palace museum in Ayvansaray, Turkey
Description
The Palace of the Porphyrogenitus is a three-story structure of stone and brick with geometric patterns adorning the facade between the Edirnekapı and Eğrikapı gates. The building displays its characteristic construction with layered walls and primarily open floor plans distributed across multiple rooms and levels.
History
The palace was built in the late 13th century as part of the Blachernae complex and served as a residence for the Byzantine imperial family. After Constantinople fell in 1453, the structure was repurposed under Ottoman rule and survived many centuries of urban change.
Culture
The name refers to imperial children who may have lived here, and the rooms still display the intricate patterns of the brick walls. These walls tell of the connection between Byzantine craftsmanship and the later Ottoman use of the space.
Practical
The location sits along the old city walls and is walkable from the Golden Horn area, so plan for comfortable shoes. The surroundings are not heavily crowded with tourists, allowing you to explore the grounds with relative ease.
Did you know?
During Ottoman times the site became a ceramics workshop where tiles were produced to decorate royal buildings throughout the city. This transformation from palace to workshop shows how buildings found new purposes under new rule.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Ayvansaray Mahallesi).
Chora Church
308 m
Palace of the Porphyrogenitus
27 m
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae
540 m
Edirnekapı, Istanbul
308 m
Prison of Anemas
534 m
Ahrida Synagogue of Istanbul
432 m
Kefeli Mosque
483 m
Odalar Mosque
517 m
Bogdan Saray
460 m
Ferruh Kethüda Camii
449 m
Kasım Ağa Mosque, Istanbul
537 m
Aya Dimitri Kilisesi
514 m
Surp Hreshdagabet Church
421 m
Hacı İlyas Yatağan Camii
256 m
Hoca Ali Mosque
344 m
Çavuşbaşı Hamamı, Balat
446 m
Hızır Çavuş Camii
530 m
Hacı İsa Mosque
370 m
Palace of Blachernae
27 m
Yusuf Şucaeddin Mosque
540 m
Ayvansaray Panayia Balino Church
466 m
Yukarı Sinan Ağa Çeşmesi
424 m
Taksiarhes Rum Kilisesi, Balat
435 m
Ferruh Kethüda Çeşmesi
432 m
Aşağı Sinan Ağa Çeşmesi
462 m
Hacı İsa Camii Çeşmesi
356 m
Çınçınlı Fountain
350 m
Tatlı Memba Street Fountain
492 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes