Historical Places In Istanbul

Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents, is a treasure trove of ancient history, culture, and architecture; from the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia to the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque, there are countless historical sites to explore in Istanbul.

We’ve put together this guide of tips for visiting ancient Istanbul so you can make the most of your trip and experience the best of Istanbul’s rich history. So whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, read on to discover the Historical Places in Istanbul.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a famous mosque that was built in the early 17th century during the rule of the Ottoman Empire and is known for its intricate blue tilework and six minarets.

The mosque is still an active place of worship and is one of Istanbul’s most visited tourist sites, as it allows you to admire the grand architecture, intricate tilework, and serene atmosphere inside. Just keep in mind that it is closed during prayer times, and there is a dress code to respect.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage facility built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire to store water for the palace and city. It is located near the Hagia Sophia and for the creepy atmosphere created by dim lighting and the sound of the water.

The cistern is an impressive feat of engineering, featuring 336 marble columns arranged in a grid pattern and two Medusa head sculptures used as architectural support. Visitors are allowed to walk along the cistern’s raised walkways and admire the ancient engineering, as well as the historical and cultural significance of the cistern.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is a historical landmark located in Istanbul, originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire. It was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and was turned into a museum in 1935, but in 2020 they converted it back into a mosque.

The mosque might be one of the most important architectural structures in the world, as it’s known for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and architectural innovation. They even recognized it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the most visited tourist site in Istanbul.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower, also known as Galata Kulesi, is a medieval stone tower built in the 14th century as a part of the city’s fortifications, and it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. The 67-meter tall tower is located in the Galata district and has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a fire tower, prison, and radar station.

Nowadays, it offers a panoramic view of the city and contains an observation deck on the top floor, a restaurant, and a café. This makes it a popular tourist attraction, as visitors can enjoy the view from the top and learn about the tower’s history and significance in the city.

Bosphorus

The Bosphorus, is a strait and international waterway that separates the Asian and European continents and connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. The Bosphorus divides the city of Istanbul into two, the European Side and the Anatolian (Asian) Side. The neighborhoods around the Bosphorus are among the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, such as Bebek, Ortaköy, Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, Emirgan, Kanlıca, Beykoz are places with fascinating views of the Bosphorus. "There are many historical structures that you can see and photograph in the Bosphorus. We have listed some of the structures in the Bosphorus for you below; Maiden Tower, Çırağan Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumelian Fortress and Anatolian Fortress, Galatasaray Island, Beylerbeyi Palace