Tour Detail
Tour starts at 1.00 p.m.
Tour finish at 6.00 p.m.
Tour Detail
Tour starts at 1.00 p.m.
Tour finish at 6.00 p.m.
Tour Program
The historic center of Istanbul is a treasure trove of stunning structures, antiquated artwork, and colorful people. Although Istanbul now has a population of over 13 million, at Sultanahmet, time seems to have stopped. Despite the presence of big, flashy tour buses, the neighborhood is home to some amazing attractions, yet they are intermingled with winding, small side lanes populated by people and their families that seem to be anchors to the past. You will see some of the finest examples of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture on this wonderful tour around Istanbul's historic center, which is largely accessible on foot from your accommodation.
The name Hagia Sophia, which translates to "Divine Wisdom" in Greek, refers to an Orthodox church that was founded to honor holiness rather than a Saint Sophia as some people mistakenly refer to it today. It was formerly a Byzantine church and an Ottoman mosque, and the Turkish people refer to it as Aya Sofya. It is currently one of Istanbul's most significant museums and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. One of the best surviving specimens of Byzantine architecture can be seen here.
One of the most magnificent Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey is the SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE (BLUE MOSQUE), also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque). The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, sometimes referred to as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because to its blue interior decorations, is Istanbul's most significant mosque and can be found in the heart of the ancient city, near to the Byzantine Hippodrome. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 by Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I to compete with Hagia Sophia. Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a poet and builder who also studied under the greatest architect Sinan, was the building's architect. Ahmed I was buried close to the mosque after his death in 1617, and a mausoleum was constructed over his grave.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a horse-racing track that served as the Byzantine Empire's capital city's main location for social gatherings and spot betting. In front of the Blue Mosque lies a park called The Hippodrome. It is also known as "Horse Square" since there used to be horse racing here, but now there are obelisks instead. Theodosius' Egyptian obelisk is the first structure. It is 20 meters tall. Serpentine column is the second monument. Only the chin of one of the three snakes, which were knotted together, was discovered and is now on display in the Istanbul Archeology Museum. This column was constructed to commemorate a Greek victory against the Persians. It was kept at the Delphi temple of Apollo. In 324, Constantine transported it to Istanbul. This column was thought to provide bug protection for the city. The obelisk of Constantine VII that can be viewed on the Hippodrome is the third monument. Additionally, you will witness The German Fountain. It was a gift for Sultan Abdülhamid II from King Wilhelm II of Germany.
The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and biggest covered markets, was established in the fifteenth century. The Grand Covered Bazaar, which has more than 4000 shops, is frequently frequented by both visitors and locals. The Grand Bazaar, which has gates opening to several locations throughout the Historic Peninsula, is Istanbul's most significant historical shopping district. The Grand Bazaar's magnificence and size will amaze first-time visitors.
From 1465 to 1853, Topkapi Palace served as the administrative hub of the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Mehmet II gave the construction order in 1459, and it was finished in 1465. Three principal gates at Topkap Palace are known as Bab-Humayun, Babu's Saade, and Babu's Selam. There are four courtyards, the Harem-i Humayun, and the Gulhane Palace Garden. A palace and a sultan are present. The sultan and his family reside in this palace, which also serves as the seat of government. The palace is situated on the historically significant peninsula's most picturesque point. The palace occupies an area of 700.000 m2.
What's Included
Languages on tour