Fountain of Ahmed III: a Tulip Era fountain at the Topkapı Palace gate
- Monuments and historic landmarks
- In front of the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet
- Free
Family hotels closest to Fountain of Ahmed III
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Fountain of Ahmed III: 19 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Fountain of Ahmed III: 19 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
Visitor information
| Type | Ottoman square fountain |
|---|---|
| Built | 1728 |
| Commissioned by / architect | Sultan Ahmed III |
| Neighbourhood | In front of the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet |
| Opening hours | Open-air site; can be seen at any time of day |
| Admission | Free (open-air site) |
| Time needed | 10 min |
| Getting there | T1 Sultanahmet stop, 5 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 6 min walk (390 m) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller |
| Best time | On your way into Topkapı Palace |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
Features of the fountain
Each side of the square fountain has a tap and a niche; in the latticed sebils at its four corners, water and sherbet were once offered to passers-by. The facades are decorated with reliefs of flowers, fruit and vases, with tiles and with gilding. Its wide-eaved roof and small domes reflect the taste of the Tulip Era in the early 18th century. The inscription on the main facade has verses by Ahmed III, whose pen name as a poet was “Ahmed”, describing the beauty of water.
What is nearby?
The fountain stands in front of the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace, behind Hagia Sophia. Soğukçeşme Street, which runs down beside the fountain, leads to Gülhane Park with its colourful wooden houses.
Visiting tips
- Take a close look at the sebils and lattice work at the four corners of the fountain.
- It is a good photo stop before going into Topkapı Palace; the morning light illuminates the facade beautifully.
- The water from the fountain is not for drinking; it is protected as a monument.
Our family hotels near Fountain of Ahmed III
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
Fountain of Ahmed III: 18 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Fountain of Ahmed III: 19 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Fountain of Ahmed III: 19 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Fountain of Ahmed III: 19 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Fountain of Ahmed III?
It is in front of the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace, behind Hagia Sophia. It is a 5-minute walk from the T1 Sultanahmet stop.
When was the Fountain of Ahmed III built?
The fountain was built in 1728 by Sultan Ahmed III, in the period known as the Tulip Era.
