- Istanbul is uniquely situated on two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait.
- It was the capital of three empires: the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.
- The Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, is known for its massive dome and stunning mosaics.
- The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops.
- Istanbul’s historic areas are a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for their rich architecture and cultural significance.
Five things to see and do in Istanbul:
- Visit the Hagia Sophia to admire its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
- Explore the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring beautiful gardens and rich artifacts.
- Take a cruise on the Bosphorus to enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and waterfront palaces.
- Wander through the Grand Bazaar to experience vibrant local culture and shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
- Discover the Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue tiles and impressive minarets, offering both beauty and a space for worship.
Istanbul is the magical city that enters the heart, which becomes more than a trip, but an experience to be lived. Between lights and colors here is everything to see…
Istanbul is the magical city, made of mystery, the city that has always had two lives, two faces, two identities, the‘crossroads between Europe and Asia. which carries within itself the truest essence of both continents. Here tradition coexists with modernity, here architecture, scents intoxicate anyone who sets foot in the city making it a truly unforgettable place. Indeed, between the Istanbul of mosques and Orthodox churches, of mosaics and golds, is grafted a city full of life teeming from its alleys, smelling of freedom in its panoramic terraces looking out to infinity. In short Istanbul is just the perfect destination for those looking for a trip full of excitement and wonder. Let’s discover together some really must-see and must-do sights….
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Blue Mosque: the wonderful place of color and spirituality
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La Blue Mosque is the most important mosque in Istanbul, is its name in the Turkish language is Sultanahmet Camii, that is. Sultan Ahmed Mosque and was inaugurated in 1617 during the tenure of Mustafa I i.e. during the period between the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia. This building is really immense it in fact possesses 6 minarets and 5 domes and manages to incorporate elements of the‘Byzantine art and characteristics of theOttoman architecture of the classical period. Its interior really leaves one speechless, 20,000 turquoise ceramic tiles, sourced from the city of Nicaea, adorn the upper walls and dome of the mosque, making this a truly wonderful place. The spectacle becomes even more impressive thanks to the interior lighting entrusted to 200 stained glass windows and by the chandeliers hanging from the roof.
Getting lost among the vitality of the Grand Bazaar: the city’s most atmospheric and fascinating marketplace
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Istanbul Grand Bazaar is a truly unmissable stop for those coming to the city because it is more than a market, but it is the largest covered market in Europe, but it is the place where the city’s diverse identities come together in scents, colors, and sounds. Built by Muhammad II in the 15th century the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is today an immense commercial space of more than 45,000 meters square meters consisting of over 60 viette that weave together creating an immense labyrinth in which there are more than 4,000 small stores selling precious objects and the most diverse handicrafts from gold bracelets, to leather goods and precious carpets and furniture of all kinds. There is no shortage of typical Turkish food stalls to sample all the specialties of a very special cuisine.
Breathe in the sensuality and grandeur of Topkapi Palace: the palace that tells all the country’s glory
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Visiting this palace is a must not only for those who go to Istanbul, but precisely for those who choose to make a trip to Turkey. It is the symbol of theOttoman Empire and precisely because of its wealth of history, art and architecture it is precisely called a museum in itself. Here a succession of wonderful paintings, fine ornaments, luxurious courtyards, and the sumptuous harem allow one to immerse oneself in a fascinating and mysterious world of yesteryear. This site, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site., attracts more than 3 million people every year for its great architectural and cultural beauty. The most magical and wonderful part of this building is the Imperial Harem which was the center of the Sultan’s private life. The Imperial Harem served as the Sultan’s private apartment and it alone has 400 rooms that hint in their splendor at his life with his wives. L’Harem is a feminine and sensual place truly extraordinary in which there is also an extraordinary collection of jewelry including the fifth largest diamond in the world.
Climbing the Galata Tower: a magnificent place to admire the beauty of the city
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La Galata Tower is one of the most spectacular sights in Istanbul, overlooking “Beyoglu” and “Karakoy” by its incredible location and is one of the most visited places in the city either because of its tradition, geometric shape or special geographical position. Although the exact date of Galata Tower’s construction is unknown, historical records suggest that it was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian around 507 A.D., was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1509, but was rebuilt by the famous Ottoman architect “Hayreddin.” From the top of the tower, visitors can see the Istanbul Bridge, which separates the Asian and European sections of Istanbul, as well as the Golden Horn Bridge and the historic peninsula. The tower is almost 67 meters high and you can reach the top to see the beautiful Istanbul skyline from the balcony.
Visit the Church of St. Sophia: one of the most significant buildings in the city
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La majestic St. Sophia is not just a religious building, but is one of Istanbul’s most culturally significant monuments, so beautiful that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capable of telling the story of the city’s centuries, empires and catastrophes. This building was originally constructed as a church, considered the main point of worship for the Christian world under the Eastern Roman Empire. Although it was later converted into a mosque, a museum and now a mosque again, the Church of St. Sophia boasts a rich history behind it.
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