“Roman (European) Lighthouse”
Named after a lighthouse that has been standing on the site since at least the 16th century, Rumeli Fenerihas the remains of a fine castle perched on the headland. From it you will be able to look out on the twin rocks – Kocataş (“Great Stone”) and Körtaş (“Blind Stone”) – which the Ottomans called “the Bloody Rocks” but which were to the ancient Greeks the Symplegades, fearsome things capable of generating a huge noise and then floating towards each other so that they could stop ships passing into the Black Sea from the Bosphorus.
Those who know their ancient Greek mythology will need no reminding that Jason and the Argonauts were able to pass through the Symplegades on their way to find the Golden Fleece in Colchis (probably in modern Georgia) after they were advised to send a pigeon through the rocks ahead of them as a diversionary tactic.
If you’re up for a beach club but don’t fancy Kilyos, it’s worth knowing that Altınkum/Golden Beach offers much the same sort of attractions near to Rumeli Feneri.
Nearby areas
