Byzantine Heritage Of Istanbul

OVERVIEW

Discover architectural treasures in Istanbul that were particularly significant when the city was known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. While walking through Old Town, an area first settled nearly 3,000 years ago, you will pass the remains of the 3rd-century hippodrome on the way to the Hagia Sophia museum as well as seeing the famous Blue Mosque from outside. As you browse the artwork within the former cathedral, which was once the world’s largest building, be sure to notice the Byzantine elements on the inside of its famed dome. You will then walk to a cavernous underground cistern from the Byzantine period that once provided water to the Great Palace. Built before the 6th century, it features intricately carved columns that are illuminated for dramatic effect. Free time follows at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered marketplaces. It contains thousands of shops selling everything imaginable, so you are sure to find something of great interest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Istanbul’s atmospheric Old Town, known as Byzantium when founded.
• Pass the site of the 3rd-century hippodrome, which could hold 100,000 spectators.
• See Blue Mosque from outside.
• Browse the extraordinary art in the Hagia Sophia, a cathedral that is now a museum and a mosque.
• Behold a massive underground cistern that is dramatically illuminated.
• Spend free time in the Grand Bazaar, a collection of thousands of shops.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.