Best 4 Historical Sights
Istanbul was the capital city for many civilizations like Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Ottomans who competed to construct the best cathedral, mosque, cistern, etc. for more than 2000 years and who left very valuable ancient places which are still standing.
Even you have one day in Istanbul try to see at least one or two of the below attractions.
1 - Topkapı Sarayı (Topkapı Palace Museum)
Open between 9.00 am to 05.00 pm except Tuesdays. Topkapı Palace was constructed by the famous conqueror Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It has been the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for more than three hundred years. The palace is a complex made up of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings and a Harem section where the mother of Sultan lives with his wives. You will need more than 4 hours to visit the whole palace and for Harem section you will need a separate ticket. If you have time we are sure you will be attracted so much by this unique Ottoman constructure.
2 - Ayasofya (Saint Sophia)
Open between 9.00 am to 04.30 pm except Mondays. Saint Sophia was firstly constructed as a basilica during Byzantine period with arrival of Ottomans it has been changed to a mosque. It was the largest cathedral ever built in the world till the Seville Cathedral was built in 1520 and still it is one of the best samples of Byzantine architecture with its massive dome and 15 meters iconostasis. It was also served as the principle mosque of Istanbul for more than 500 years.
3 – Sultanahmet Cami (Blue Mosque)
Open everyday and no hour limitation. You will need a scarf for women and a long pant for gentlemen, do not forget to take out your shoes before entering the mosque. Its name came from the beautiful blue tiles on the walls and more than 200 stained glass windows let the maximum natural light get in through the mosque.
4 - Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Basilica Cistern)
Open everyday except Tuesdays. Basilica Cistern is another very interesting Byzantine construction which was used as the water source for the Saint Sophia and Topkapı Palace for years. It has a ceiling supported by 336 massive columns (9 m longed). While you are walking above the cistern you will hear classical music mixed with the sounds of flowing water and at the northwest corner you will see the two-medusa heads, which are also carved into massive columns. It is a magical place where you have to see before leaving İstanbul.
*** All above sights are at the old city and walking distance to each other, for old city arrival please see directions.
Outdoor Attractions | patakurt | May 25, 2009
hi,
love your blong!
btw, some of the pics are really beautifully taken! I would like to use one of the pics (Sultanahmet pic) and wanna ask you about the copyright and stuff. Could you plz email me at the address prived if thats not too much trouble for you?
Thanks!