Bucoleon Palace: the remains of a Byzantine palace on the Sea of Marmara
- Monuments and historic landmarks
- Kennedy Avenue, Sultanahmet–Çatladıkapı
- Free
Family hotels closest to Bucoleon Palace
Visitor information
| Type | Remains of a Byzantine palace |
|---|---|
| Built | 5th century, enlarged under later emperors |
| Commissioned by / architect | Byzantine emperors (the sea pavilion of the Great Palace) |
| Neighbourhood | Kennedy Avenue, Sultanahmet–Çatladıkapı |
| Opening hours | Can always be seen from outside; you cannot go inside because of restoration |
| Admission | Free (seen from outside) |
| Time needed | 15 min |
| Getting there | 10 min walk from Sultanahmet via the Little Hagia Sophia |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 10 min walk (710 m) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Partly suitable. The pavement of the coastal road is level; the streets down from Sultanahmet are sloping |
| Best time | At sunset, during a walk along the Kennedy Avenue seafront |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
The story of the Bucoleon
The area that now stretches from the Blue Mosque to the sea was once the Great Palace, where Byzantine emperors lived for centuries. The Bucoleon was the part of this palace that opened onto the sea, overlooking the emperors’ private harbour. It is said to take its name from a statue in the harbour showing a bull fighting a lion (“bous” means bull, “leon” lion). The palace was looted during the Crusader occupation of 1204, and most of the remains were demolished when the railway was built in the 19th century.
What can you see today?
On the seaward side of Kennedy Avenue, three large marble window frames and arches can be seen in the wall rising within the sea walls. The remains are part of a restoration project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; because the work is ongoing, you cannot go inside. You get the best view of the remains from the pavement of the coastal road.
Combine it with a seafront walk
To see the Bucoleon, walk down from Sultanahmet to the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque and pass under the railway to the shore. From here you can walk along the Kennedy Avenue seafront, watch the sunset and take a break with children in the seaside parks.
Visiting tips
- When crossing the coastal road, use only pedestrian crossings and footbridges; the traffic is fast.
- The best light for photographing the remains is in the afternoon.
- You can visit the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque and walk down to the Bucoleon on the same walk.
Our family hotels near Bucoleon Palace
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Bucoleon Palace: 7 min walk (490 m) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Bucoleon Palace: 7 min walk (520 m) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Sareban Hotel
Bucoleon Palace: 8 min walk (530 m) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Bucoleon Palace: 8 min walk (550 m) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
Frequently asked questions
Can you go inside the Bucoleon Palace?
No. The remains are part of a restoration project and you cannot go inside. They can be seen free of charge from the seafront walkway on Kennedy Avenue.
Where is the Bucoleon Palace?
It is on Kennedy Avenue, in the sea walls on the seaward side of the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. It is about a 10-minute walk from Sultanahmet.
