Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most impressive buildings of the late Ottoman period and stands directly on the European shore of the Bosphorus. It was built between 1843 and 1856 for Sultan Abdülmecid I and replaced Topkapı Palace as the rulers’ main residence. The building combines Ottoman traditions with European styles such as Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism. The monumental façade along the Bosphorus alone conveys the size and wealth of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Inside, visitors find more than 280 rooms, magnificent reception halls and lavishly decorated staircases. The Ceremonial Hall with its enormous crystal chandelier, one of the largest in the world, is particularly famous. Gilding, silk carpets and elaborate ceiling paintings give the palace extraordinary elegance. Dolmabahçe was not only the sultans’ residence but also the scene of important political events. After the founding of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk used the palace during his stays in Istanbul. He spent his last days here and died on 10 November 1938. The clocks throughout the building, set to 09:05, commemorate this historic moment. Besides the interiors, the well-kept gardens and the spectacular waterfront location are impressive. The terraces offer a wide view of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of the city. Dolmabahçe combines history, architecture and scenic beauty in a unique way and is one of the essential highlights of any visit to Istanbul.