Kucuksu Pavilion

Küçüksu Pavilion is a breathtaking Ottoman structure located in the Anadolu Hisarı neighborhood on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's Üsküdar district.

With museum-palace status, this historical pavilion is one of the rare treasures that have survived from the Ottoman Empire to the present day, celebrated for its commanding view of the Bosphorus and its elegant architecture. Also known as "Göksu Pavilion," it was reconstructed in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecid, taking on its current form.

Who Built Küçüksu Pavilion? The History of Küçüksu Pavilion

The area where Küçüksu Pavilion stands has been an important center since the Byzantine period. Ottoman Sultan Murad IV described this area as the "Silver Cypress," and it grew in popularity during the Ottoman period, leading to the construction of the first wooden palace here during Sultan Mahmud I's reign.

However, the present structure was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid during the mid-19th century when Western influences were increasingly embraced in the Ottoman Empire. He assigned the construction to the renowned architect Nigoğayos Balyan from the Balyan family. Completed in 1856, this elegant pavilion served as a significant lodging for sultans to relax, hunt, and train in equestrian skills.

Architectural Features of Küçüksu Pavilion

Küçüksu Pavilion is a rectangular, stone structure measuring 15 by 27 meters, consisting of a basement and two upper floors. The basement was designated for servants, while the upper floors include a large hall and four rooms on each level. Reflecting the Balyan family's craftsmanship, every corner of the pavilion is a work of art, showcasing exquisite details. Surrounding the building are white cast-iron fences that exemplify the harmony between Western architecture and Ottoman culture.

With Italian marble fireplaces, furniture imported from France and Italy, elegant carpets, and paintings on the walls, Küçüksu Pavilion resembles an ethnographic art museum. The wall and ceiling decorations reflect the Ottoman aesthetic, creating a refined atmosphere with traces of the Tulip Era's style.

Entrance Fees for Küçüksu Pavilion

🎟️ Ticket Price for Turkish Visitors: 60 TL

🌍 Ticket Price for Foreign Visitors: 160 TL

🎫 Discounted Ticket Price: 30 TL

🏞️ Entrance Fees for Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area:

Turkish Visitors: 60 TL

Foreign Visitors: 150 TL

Discounted Ticket: 25 TL

🛂 Note: The Museum Card is not valid in the Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area.

Is Photography Prohibited in Küçüksu Pavilion?

Photography may be prohibited within the interior spaces of Küçüksu Pavilion. However, for special occasions such as weddings and ceremonies, photography in the exterior area is permitted under certain conditions. Exterior photography is allowed every day between 09:00 and 16:00. Applicants need to submit required documents such as a receipt, petition, and commitment form to the relevant department to obtain permission. The maximum number of people for an exterior photoshoot is six; additional participants require the purchase of garden tickets.

Visiting Hours and Public Holidays

Küçüksu Pavilion is open to visitors every day except Monday.

🕰️ Ticket Office Opening Time: 09:00

🕰️ Ticket Office Closing Time: 17:00

While Küçüksu Pavilion is open on some public holidays, it remains closed on certain days. The pavilion is closed on New Year's Day, the first day of Ramadan Bayram, and the first day of Kurban Bayram; however, it can be visited on the subsequent days of these holidays.

On other public holidays such as April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day, May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, August 30 Victory Day, and October 29 Republic Day, Küçüksu Pavilion is open to visitors. Planning a visit in consideration of these details is important.

With its historical and cultural heritage, Küçüksu Pavilion is one of Istanbul's unique sites that should be visited. Reflecting the elegance of Ottoman architecture and a fusion of Western artistic influences, this structure offers visitors a journey back in time, with every detail evoking a sense of history. For both local and foreign visitors, Küçüksu Pavilion is a historical legacy offering a serene visit with a view of the Bosphorus.