7 Wonders of Byzantine Istanbul

Istanbul is a quaint city which evokes a unique feeling of mystery, charm and attraction in us while we move around. This historical city has witnessed many ups and downs. The original name of the city was Byzantium when it was a Greek city at around 660 BC. Then it was named Constantinople after the Emperor Constantine in 330 AD. In 1453 Ottomans captured it and converted it into an Islamic monopoly and renamed it to Istanbul. As such there are several wonderful sights in Istanbul but what you should not miss are the 7 Wonders of Byzantine Istanbul. Let’s see which these 7 wonders are and some facts about them.

1. Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern was the former largest underground water reservoir of the city in the Byzantine times.

Address: 13 Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet

Time You should Spend there: 1 hour

Opening Hours: Daily 9 am to 6.30 pm

Public Transport: Tram Line T1 – Sultanahmet stop

Things to Do:

• Take a walk along the walkways lit with bright red lights and enjoy the otherworldly, yet relaxing atmosphere.
• Enjoy the mesmerizing classical music accompanied by the sound of constantly dripping water.
• Remember to walk along the decks to see the gigantic Medusa Heads.

2. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya is an example of dramatic architecture in Istanbul which was first built as an Orthodox cathedral and later turned to a mosque. Today it’s a museum.

Address: Cankurtaran Mh. 34122 Istanbul

Time You should Spend there: 90 minutes

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm; Mondays: Closed

Public Transport: Tram Line T1: Sultanahmet stop

Things to Do:

• Enjoy the beauty of the building from outside.
• Watch the stunning architecture of the former church.
• Head towards the upper gallery up the stairs for outstanding Byzantine mosaics.

3. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is a medieval masonry tower with a height of 62 meters and having a conical top. It offers a breathtaking 360° view of the city.

Address: Bereketzade Mh., 34420 Istanbul

Time You should Spend there: 1 hour

Opening Hours: Summer daily 9 am to 7 pm; Other seasons daily 9 am to 5 pm

Public Transport: Tram Line T1: Karakoy stop

Things to Do:

• Admire the exterior of the tower.
• Using the elevator and a small flight of narrow, winding stairs, reach the viewing platform and a restaurant
• Take a walk in the gallery to enjoy the stunning views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul.

4. Chora Church

Church of St. Saviour Chora or Chora Church is originally an 11^th century Byzantine church and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches. Today it is a museum.

Address: Avcibey Mh., Kariye Turbesi Sokak 16

Time You should Spend there: 1 hour

Opening Hours: Thurs-Tues: 9 am to 4.30 pm; Wednesdays: Closed

Public Transport: Bus No. 32: Edimekapi stop

Things to Do:

• Enjoy over 50 splendid mosaic panels dating back to about 1310.
• Don’t forget to visit the lovely garden behind the church.

5. Maiden’s Tower

Maiden’s Tower or Leander’s Tower is standing majestically on a small island off the Uskudar coast and was originally constructed by the Greeks to control the traffic of Persian ships. It was used and modified by both Byzantines and Ottomans.

Address: Uskudar Neighborhood

Time You should Spend there: 30 minutes

Public Transport: Ferry from the dock of Uskudar

Things to Do:

• Take a pleasant walk on the waterfront, catch a ferry from the dock to reach the island of the tower.
• Enjoy the quaint atmosphere on the island and the surrounding ocean.
• Visit the café/restaurant in the tower.

6. Hippodrome

Built in 3^rd AD, Hippodrome was originally a Byzantine chariot racing stadium with a spectator capacity of 100,000. Today it is a park next to Sultanahmet Park.

Address: Sultanahmet Square

Time You should Spend there: 30 minutes

Public Transport: Tram Line T1: Sultanahmet stop

Things to Do:

• Enjoy the four monuments in the Hippodrome – Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk, Obelisk of Thutmose III (Egyptian Obelisk) and German Fountain.
• Rest on a bench at the lovely fountain and admire the beauty of the two major landmarks of Istanbul.

7. Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque is the last imperial mosque in Istanbul built in 1616 by Sultan Ahmet I with the intention of surpassing both Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque.

Address: Sultan Ahmet Mh., Tavukhane Sokak 5

Time You should Spend there: 45 minutes

Opening Hours: Daily 9 am to 6 pm

Public Transport: Tram Line T1: Sultanahmet stop

Things to Do:

• Enjoy the beauty of the superb arrangement of cascade of domes.
• Non-worshippers need to use the north entrance, the Hippodrome side.
• Admire the stunning interior of colorfully designed tiles in red, yellow, green and blue.

So, remember to visit these 7 wonders when you are in Istanbul along with plenty of other stunning sights of the beautiful city, and you will have a truly amazing Istanbul holiday.