ISTANBUL WEEKENDS  
   
DESCRIPTION
PLACES TO BE SEEN 
TOURS IN ISTANBUL
 
 

BYZANTINE MONUMENTS

St. Sophia:
Built in 360 AD, reconstructed by Emperor Justinian. Originally a church but after Istanbul was conquered, turned into a mosque. Today a museum. Closed on Mondays.

St. Chora (Kariye):
Originally a church, today used as a museum after some restorations to reveal the finest examples of 14th century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Closed on Wednesday.

Hippodromme:
A pleasant place in front of Blue Mosque containing the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the Obelisk of Theodosius brought from Egypt. w crowded by shoeshine boys and tourists, it was once the world’s largest race track.

 
 
 


Yerebatan (Underground Cistern)

Underground cistern built by Emperor Justrnian in the 6th century for use in wartime. 336 columns supporting the mammoth water storage chamber.

Galata Tower:
Rising above Istanbul, this old tower presents a wonderful view of Istanbul. Built in the 6th century, it was later used as a fire tower by the Turks.

Other Byzantine Monuments that are worth seeing are St. Irene, St. Georgious and Bacchus and the Palace of Tekfurs.

 

OTTOMAN MONUMENTS

Blue Masque:
Famous for its blue tiles which gave its name to the mosque. Very striking with its cool and mystical lighting, unique because of its 6 minarets. A place that should not be missed.

Süleymaniye Mosque:
Built by the famous architect Sinan for Soliman the Magnificient. it is a combination of beauty and elegance. Its location and architectural beauty present Istanbul with a stunning silhouette. 

 


Topkapı Palace:
 Built by the conqueror of Istanbul Sultan Mehmet in 15th century. House of Sultans that became larger and larger as centuries went by. It is possible to wander around in the garden and visit the fabulous and priceless collection of jewelry and Chinese porcelain. Closed on Tuesdays

Dolmabahçe Palace:
A 19th century palace along the Bosphorus with all its grace and dignity. Famous for the European antiques, furniture and an alabaster Turkish bath. Most famous is its 4.5 tons chandelier in the reception room which is the world’s largest enclosed ball room. Closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

Rumeli Hisarı (European Castle):
An impressive military structure with walls and towers on the shore of Bosphorus built by Mehmet the conqueror of Istanbul. Now an open public museum. Also used as an open-air theatre.

Sadberk Hanım Museum:
Best organized private museum in Istanbul reflecting Turkish tradition and exhibiting hantcraft. Closed on Wednesdays.

Archeological Museum:
An extraordinary collection of Archeological findings of the civilizations which have flourishe in Turkey. Closed on Mondays.

Military Museum:
Located in the center, this museum is famous for its amazing array of military articles. Possibility to watch the daily practice of the Mehter Band (the original band of the janissary soldiers).

Other places worth seeing are Anadolu Hisarı,. İbrahim Paşa Konağı, The Museum of Tiles, the Mosaic Museum and Rüstem Paşa Mosque.



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