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ST. SOPHIE- Built by
Constantin the Great, also known as the church of the Divine Wisdom
designed to impress the strenght and wealth of the Roman emperors.
Once it was the greatest Christian church in the world.
THE BLUE MOSQUE- Also
called the Sultanahmet Camii, is known as the Blue Mosque, because
of its magnificient interior decorations of blue Iznik tiles.
Outside of the mosque stands the turbe or the tomb of Sultan Ahmet.
It is decorated with 17th century Iznik tiles. The Sultan was buried
here along with his wife and three sons.
HIPPODROME- The arena
with the scenes of chariot races and also cultural focus of the
Byzantine (Roman) Empire. Remains of the three of the great
monuments can be seen: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze
Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.The square, with its
surroundings, is like an open-air museum.
THE MUSEUMS OF TURKISH
ISLAMIC ART- Used to be the Palace of Ibrahim Pasa is a museum
containing a large collection of Islamic artwork.
UNDERGROUND CISTERN
(YEREBATAN SARAYI)- Built in the fourth century, is one of the
underground cisterns that riddle the foundations of the city. It has
been extensively excavated and renovated and is worth visiting and
exploring while listening to the tunes of classical music. A unique
experience !
TOPKAPI PALACE-
Topkapi Palace is the symbol and the center of the Ottoman Empire.
Overlooking Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus) and the Marmara sea, stands
this amazing building that was the great palace of the Ottoman
Sultans. The palace is a collection of buildings arranged around a
series of courtyards and has incredible collections of jewels,
China, pieces of Ottoman and Islamic artwork.
Includes all museum
entrances, lunch at a very good Turkish restaurant, transportation,
guide. Overnight at the hotel. |
Guide
