Historical Sites You Must Definetely Visit in İstanbul
15 Most Popular Historical Places in Istanbul
1.Blue mosque
2.Topkapı Palace
3.Hagia Sophia
4.Kariye Museum
The building had no damage during the conquest of Istanbul and remained as a church until 1511, mosque until 1945 and a museum until today. This monumental museum is an extremely important structure that hosts the most beautiful examples of Eastern Roman art with its architecture, magnificent mosaics and frescoes.
5.Dolmabahçe Palace
6.Istanbul Modern Museum
7.Galata Tower
It’s one of the oldest towers in the world with a height of 69.90m. The Golden Horn and Bosphorus view from the top of the tower is breathtaking. You can reach the top with an elevator. There’s a cozy restaurant and one of the best views in the city.
8.Basilica Cistern
It's the biggest Roman cistern in the town. Usually people call it Underground City or Forest of Columns. Basilica Cistern was built on Stoa Basilica during Emperor Justian’s reign in 532. It has 100 thousand cubic meters of water capacity to provide enough water for the royal palace and building around. Ottomans used the cistern to water the plants, and it got forgotten by time until Dutch traveller Petrus Gyllius rediscovered it in 1546. 336 columns with 9m height carry the ceiling. 2 enormous Medusa heads are mysteries. There’s still water and fish in the water. With the ambiance in the cistern and especially the chill in hot summer days, it’s the most interesting spot in the old town to discover.
9.Süleymaniye Mosque
Built by Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque was completed in 1557. Talented architect Sinan describes it as his “journeymen piece of work”. Courtyard has the best view of the city. Suleiman the Magnificent got Sinan the Architect to build this mosque on the third hill of Istanbul. A huge complex building has 15 sections like schools, kitchen, hospital, watch house, etc. The complex building is such a compact town. Like the other works of Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque is such a temple that transformed simplicity into magnificence. The decorations used in the inscriptions of the mosque are already aesthetic marvels of their own. You can’t find better acoustics anywhere else than inside the mosque .
10.Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar has been an important commercial center of Istanbul for over 500 years with its architecture, facilities, size and magnificence. Mehmed II ordered the construction in 1461 hence, we can accept this date for Grand bazaar history. Here we are talking about a marketplace that is over 550 years old. Ottoman sultans intended to have a critical center for their capital of the big Empire. Grand bazaar has a big role in the economy with its artisans and gold exchange. It has a total 45.000 square meter area and many gates to enter and exit. There are various products in 97 different industry categories.Its like a complete city within hospitals, banks, restaurants, police stations and gold stocks. Even though street signs are set everywhere, there are many streets crossing each other, thus it's hard to find whatever you're looking for if you don't know which way to go. In this case, it’s best to discover it with a professional guide who knows every corner without getting lost. Here you can join our shopping tour with a professional guide.
11.Taksim Beyoğlu
Should you wonder about daily life in a metropolis city you should take a walk in Istiklal Street. Taksim Square and Istiklal Street is a center of modern city with Salt Beyoğlu, Borusan Culture and Art Center. Along the street you can find modern shops selling local and foreign brands. Many consultants, monumental buildings like Galatasaray High School and St. Antoine Church have fantastic architecture. Following the nostalgic tram will take you to the Tunnel where you can easily walk to Galata Tower or Pera to visit Istanbul Modern.
12.Egyptian Bazaar/ Spice Market
13.Rumelia Castle
Mehmed II ordered the construction of a castle in 1452 to have full control over Bosphorus entrance from Black Sea. He not only achieved his goal but also left a beautiful touristic attraction for travellers to add to their bucket lists. Castle is also hosts many cultural and musical events in different periods of the year.
14.Maiden’s Tower
With its tales told from generation to generation, Maiden Tower is one of the most romantic places in the city. Its restaurant inside and the view around provide amazing time for visitors and enchant local and foreign tourists.
15.Prince Islands
Famous for its architecture, fish restaurants, ice cream shops, beach clubs and carriages, which have recently become one of the most important topics of discussion, Büyükada is a preferred place for both weekend getaways and long-term holidays. Aya Yorgi Church and Greek Orphanage are the top places to visit in the largest of the Prince Islands.
0 comments