The ancient city once referred to as Constantinople is a very interesting city and a well-known vacation destination. It’s home to among the most wonderful historical sites in the world and you’ll find all the heritage as you can handle on a holiday to Turkey. With cheap flights to Turkey arriving in the city everyday there are hundreds of possibilities to visit. It also has the extra benefit of being outside the expensive Eurozone so your cash is sure to go much further. Listed below are five of the most beautiful sites in Istanbul:
Dolmbache Palace
Dolmabah Palace is a nineteenth century addition to the city, but don’t let that put you off. Built for Abdl Mecit, the place was finished in 1855. This new building became the home of the sultan and meant that the imperial residence for four centuries, Topkapi Palace, was deserted. The building houses many treasures, including a 36-metre-high throne room with a four tonne crystal chandelier, which was a present from Queen Victoria.
Topkapi Palace
The original imperial residence, Topkapi Palace, is a spectacular example of Ottoman architecture and is really worth a visit. The palace sprawls on the huge expanse, with four courtyards and several smaller buildings. The palace is famous for its jewels and by far the most eye-catching piece housed in the palace is the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. Set in silver and in the middle of 49 cut diamonds, this jewel has to be seen to be believed. Other breathtaking jewels housed here include a couple of large golden candleholders, each weighing 48 kilograms and attached with 6,666 cut diamonds.
The Byzantine Hagai Sophia
The Byzantine Hagai Sophia has inspired most of the in the future building projects in Istanbul. Now a museum, the structure had previously been the site of both a Mosque and a church. The building houses some gorgeous examples of either Muslim and Christian design. This attraction is definitely worth a visit just to see the intricately designed interior.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
The fully working Sultan Ahmed Mosque was a later addition to the city, but took most of the design aspects from the Hagai Sophia. Detailed with six minarets and a great cascade of domes, this building characterizes the landscape. Probably the most striking thing about the design of the Mosque are the tiles; the high ceiling is lined with 20,000 blue tiles. These tiles are fine instances of 16th century Iznik design.
The Grand Bazaar
Last but not least, the bazaar is among the most exciting places to visit in the city and it may also be by far the most lovely. Join 500,000 other daily visitors and head for the Grand Bazaar – among the largest and oldest covered markets on this planet. You’ll find more than 58 covered streets and over 4,000 shops providing anything from pretty lanterns and carpets to souvenirs and meerschaum pipes. Just haggle well!
Of course this world heritage city has many beautiful sites to visit – these are only a small number. If you do decide to take a trip make sure you take your time to discover for yourself. Istanbul often makes the list of top 10 most visited cities in the world and 7.5 million visitors a year can’t be wrong!
Of course this world heritage city has many beautiful sites to visit – these are only a small number. If you do decide to take a trip make sure you take your time to discover for yourself. Istanbul often makes the list of top 10 most visited cities in the world and 7.5 million visitors a year can’t be wrong!
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