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Istanbul

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International Names:
Istanbul, Estambul, Istambul, İstanbul, Isztambul, Stambula, Stambulas, Stambuł, Κωνσταντινούπολη, Истанбул, Стамбул

Istanbul

 Monuments, Museums, Attractions

Where to go and what to see

 

When you arrive in Istanbul you will not know where to go and what to see first. The whole city is a historical treasure. It is a treasure that will touch and fascinate you. Wherever you look in Istanbul you will see numerous monuments that reveal the centuries of history and the magnificence of the city.
If you begin your visit from the museums you can visit the Archaeological Museum which is situated in Eminönü
 district between Gulhane Park and Topkapi Palace. The museum features an extraordinary collection of exhibits which is divided in three buildings. It really worths a visit.

Some other important museums are the Carpet and Rags Museum which is located in Honkar
Kasri district, the Paintings and Sculptures Museum which is located in        Besiktas, the Classical Turkish Literature Museum which is located in Yuksekkaldirim district and the Yedikule Museum which used to be a prison.

The palaces in Istanbul are very famous and well known. When you enter their gates you will feel as if the ghosts of the sultans and their harems are still wandering inside the vast chambers of the palaces.

Maybe the most legendary palace in Istanbul is Topkapi. This palace used to be the main residence of sultans for centuries. It is an exceptional architectural construction with many halls and rooms. The Topkapi Museum holds innumerable treasures including the most special collection of the Treasury with the wonderful assortment of jewelry and precious stones. The palace stands out because of its splendid, colorful and green gardens but also because of its kitchens that used to be the largest kitchens during the Ottoman Empire. The Topkapi palace built in the 15
th century maintains its greatness through the passing of time. 

Some other significant palaces with great architectural design in Istanbul are the
Dolmabahçe palace which is situated in Besiktas district and it is nowadays a museums and the Yerebatan palace which is located in Sultanahmet square and it also a museum now. 

In Sultanhmet square standing opposite to each other, reminding everyone the eternal conflict between Christians and Ottomans, you can see two of the greatest symbols and monuments of the two nations that loved and hated each other so much. From one side of the square Agia Sofia (Saint Sofia), a true architectural wander.  It is a church built by Emperor Justinian, that despite the destructions, the lootings and of course the passing of time it still stands there reminding us the importance of Hellenism. Today it is a famous attraction in Istanbul and it is considered a museum. From the other side of the square exactly across Agia Sofia, stands the Blue Mosque or
Sultanahmet Camii, which has six minarets and it is considered the most outstanding mosque in Istanbul. Many faithful believers gather every day to prey as soon as they hear the imam’s voice calling them from the speakers. 

Other significant monuments and sights in Istanbul are Galata Tower with the breath taking view of the city, the ancient Atmeydani – Hippodrome, Υildiz Park, Constantine’s obelisk, Agia Irini’s church which is nowadays a museum, Beylerbeyi palace, Ahi Çelebi mosque, Beyazit square and its mosque, Ataturk bridge that connects the European side of Istanbul with the Asian and the Galata’s bridge which is much older.

Hotels in Istanbul

Search for the best hotels in Istanbul. From luxury 5 star hotels to cheap hotels, apartments and hostels. Select through our recommended hotels that are found in our page Istanbul Hotels and live the magical atmosphere that the city spreads.

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