Tag: The Basilica Cistern

  • Best 10 Must See Attractions In Istanbul

    Best 10 Must See Attractions In Istanbul

    Here is a list of 10 tourist attractions that you do not should miss visiting when goiong to Istanbul.

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    There are a lot of hotels in Istanbul, which offer excelent service.

    1.St. Sophia- It is among the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture, well-known tourist attraction in Istanbul. Once a church, than became a Mosque and now it is a Museum. The interior of the museum is decorated with splendid Byzantine mosaics. While visiting the museum, you’ll want to spare some time to find out the upper gallery, where you need to climb up a path interior the building. The upper galleries give the very best perspectives inside the St Sophia. This is also where you can see the great mosaics and ambience of the church. It is much more interesting from the second floor and also a pictured summary of the historical past of the Church might be observed on this floor.

    2.The Blue Mosque it really is one of probably the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. It is fairly impressive with its attractive domes and semi domes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets. Sultan Ahmet 1 founded the Blue Mosque. It was built between 1609- 1616 and also it had been named following him. The entire complex was completed in 1616.

    3.Topkapi Palace it is absolutely the perfect looking palace in Turkey. House for the Ottoman Sultans, is now a perfect location to be a Museum to reflect the glory of Ottoman Empire, Sultans and their way of lifestyle.

    4.The Basilica Cistern- Underground waterway was used as a reservoir for water storage for that Great Palace and other buildings. It is 132 m length, by 65m wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern. Most from the column capitals are both in Corinthian or Doric Model.

    5.The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi in Turkish)- it is one of the most the largest covered markets in the globe with its 4400 stores in 64 roads and with 22 gates . It’s a real heaven for shoppers. It would seem like a labyrinth at very first sight but it’s actually not that complicated.

    6.Dolmabahce Palace-The phrase “Dolmabahce” in English indicates “The filled garden”, due to the fact the Dolmabahce Palace is founded upon a reclaimed area by filling up the sea. It’s a beautiful 19th Century palace right by the Bosphorus, on the waterfront. It is in baroque and rococo model and very French. Some people consider that it is actually a small version of the palace of Versailles in Paris, France.

    7.Miniaturk -Istanbul incorporates a Maquette park which has began to function as of April 23rd,2003. The mini Turkey park is often known as Miniaturk and have mini models of ancient ottoman architectural operates in Turkey. On miniaturk Turkey’s prosperous historical and cultural heritage is being displayed with their maquettes.

    8.Chora Church (Kariye Camii in Turkish)- it may be the most exciting Byzantine church afterwards St. Sophia in Istanbul. The importance of the church does not come by the design itself , the frescoes as well as the mosaics are amazing and reflect the magnificent heritage of Byzantine Artwork.

    9.Hippodrome-this is the square in entrance of a Blue Mosque. It truly is one from the most well-known parts in Byzantine Constantinople. You can find a variety of monuments in Hippodrome Area. Probably the most attractive one is the “Egyptian Obelisk”.

    10.The Galata Tower – Until the 1960s Galata tower was a fire lookout tower. Now the upper floors hold an uninteresting restaurant-nightclub, and a panorama balcony. It provides the most effective panoramic views of the city

    Articlesnatch

  • Underground in Istanbul

    Underground in Istanbul

    Europe, Featured — By Nadine Nettmann on November 22, 2010 at 11:45 am

    yerebatanDescending down the steps into darkness, I wasn’t sure what we would find. This wasn’t a scheduled stop on our tour of Istanbul, but sometimes the most exciting experiences are discovered along the way.

    It was our first day in Istanbul and we planned on seeing the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the world renowned Spice Bazaar, all of which were amazing. My husband and I were on our way back from the Hagia Sophia when we saw a small building, a sign, and a large brick chimney-type structure. It looked interesting and since we’re always up for an adventure, we paid the fee, entered the building, and started to descend into the dark damp underground.

    Multiple columns rose from the water, grasping the arched roof as subtle spotlights emitted candle-like glows. It stirred memories of Phantom of the Opera and I could just imagine a small boat weaving through the columns.

    The Basilica Cistern, also known as Yerebatan Sarnici and Sunken Palace, was built around 532. It has the ability to hold up to 100,000 tons of water but the water level is kept rather low these days as it is now a museum.

    Although we were told that classical music plays at certain times, the only sounds that particular afternoon were of water dripping into the pools, the noise echoing in waves just like the rings in the water.

    The mystique of the Cistern increased when we traveled to the far end where two Medusa heads – one upside down and one on its side – stood at the base of two columns. It is unknown exactly why the heads of Medusa are there but it is thought they were left over from the ruins of another ancient building.

    Our accidental discovery of the Basilica Cistern turned out to be the most intriguing portion of our stay in Istanbul. After all, it’s not everyday you find yourself underground, surrounded by water, staring at the head of Medusa.

    For more information on the Basilica Cistern, please visit the following link:

    Yerebatan Sarnici, Basilica Cistern

    via Underground in Istanbul | Wine and Food Travel.