Meet: Just outside the Tourist Information Office on the Sultanahmet Square
This walk explores the heart of the "Old
City". Visit the historical and architectural wonders of Istanbul:
Saint
Sophia, the
church of "Divine Wisdom". This masterpiece of Byzantine architecture built by Justinian
in 6th century as the cathedral of Constantinople was the center of the religious life of the
Byzantine Empire. For almost five centuries after the Turkish Conquest it ranked first among the
imperial mosque of Istanbul. Today it serves as a museum with the unique examples of two religions
together.
Blue
Mosque, facing
Saint Sophia, is one of the principal adornments on the skyline
of the city, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of
Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome,
was the scene of chariot races and the center of civil activities of
Constantinople. Of the monuments which once adorned it, three remain: the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column
from Delphi, and the Column of Constantine.
Basilica
Cistern, an enormous underground Byzantine Cistern. 336 Corinthian columns
support fine brick vaulting.
Sokullu
Mehmet Pasha Mosque, this 16th-century mosque is one of the most beautiful
examples of classical Turkish architecture and is a masterpiece of the architect
Sinan. The pulpit and prayer niches are of special interest being covered with
beautiful Iznik tiles.
SS.
Sergius and Bacchus, the church is a landmark in Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture.
Today, it is known as the “Little Saint Sophia”, because its general plan is a precursor of that of the Great Church of
Saint Sophia.
Closed:
Saint
Sophia on mondays.
Museum fees: Saint Sophia €5, Basilika Cistern €5.
