Imros Castle

Imros Castle (aka Rumeli Lighthouse Castle) was built flawlessly by a Greek architect in the 18th century on the northern side of Istanbul, which is generally known as the region where the Greeks were stationed. Technically, the masonry technique was used, and the castle is a lighthouse built with the aim of watching the French and British ships enter the Bosphorus during the Crimean War. The lighthouse was built 58 meters above sea level and 30 meters long. In the period of use, it was first illuminated with kerosene and then with acetylene.

When you come to Imros Castle, you will spend pleasant hours with its fascinating historical texture and magnificent view. The fact that the castle is extremely large and the shelters located under the artillery castle and four sides of the upper part are covered with a unique sea view. If you have the opportunity, we recommend that you go here with your personal vehicle. In this way, you can visit both Rumeli Lighthouse, Garipçe Village and Garipçe Castle.

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Features of Imros Castle

The history of Imros Castle, located in Sarıyer, at the farthest point of the Black Sea side of the Bosphorus, dates back to the Genoese. In the Ottoman Empire, there were two watchtowers in the castle, which was rebuilt during the reign of Murat IV and played a major role in the defense of the city. If a foreign ship was seen at the entrance of the Bosphorus, the castle guards fired fireworks to inform the artillery of this danger and take precautions for defense.

At that time, the castle was large enough to accommodate 60 soldiers’ houses, 100 cannons, an arsenal, wheat warehouses and 300 soldiers. The castle, which was used for defense until the years 1950-1960 after the Ottoman Empire, served as a military outpost during the Republic period. In the following years, the castle’s distance from the center of the city caused it to fall out of favor and gradually left it to its fate.

Where is Imros Castle ?

Imros Castle is located on the European side of Istanbul. It is a lighthouse located at the northern end of the European side, where the Bosphorus and the Black Sea meet. In addition, there is the Anatolian Lighthouse opposite, and there is a distance of approximately 2 nautical miles between them. The line where Rumeli Lighthouse and Anatolian Lighthouse unite forms the northern borders of Istanbul Port. You can reach the location of Imros Castle on the map by clicking the link.

What to Do in Imros Castle?

Imros Castle has a magnificent view. It is a pleasure to watch and photograph the waves hitting the shore together with the famous wind of the Black Sea. When you come to Imros Castel, do not limit your trip to this place. Rumeli Lighthouse, Feneryolu Bird Watching Tower, Garipçe, Atatürk Arboretum, Atatürk City Forest and Belgrad Forest are close to the castle.

Despite its breathtaking view, it is worth mentioning that the castle has been neglected in recent years.

How to Go to Imros Castle?

You can take different routes from different routes to get to Imros Castle and Rumeli Lighthouse. If you want to go to Imros Castle from the Anatolian side by the highway route, take the first exit after the bridge, Maslak, Sarıyer, Levent, towards the Sarıyer-İstinye route.

If you are going to Topçu Fortress from the European side by highway, You should exit the highway in the direction of Maslak, Sarıyer, Levent. You will follow the road going towards Maslak from the Hacı Osman slope to the beach and get down to the coastal road. As soon as you get down to the beach, turn left and continue on the Sarıyer coastal road until you see the Vehbi Koç Foundation High School, and after 200 meters the road will drag you to the left.

Proceed until the old Kilyos Street. The road will fork in the future. Take this road to the left. Keep going until the end of the long and curved road. Turn left at the end of the road. After you turn right on the 2nd Street on the route you follow, you must follow that road until you see the castle. At the end of this road, a magnificent view and history awaits you.