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Full Day Old City Tour Program
We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint
Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of
the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old
Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors
and empresses. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the
exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only
imperial mosque with six minarets.
The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and
featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and
a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive.
The Basilica Cistern, located in the crowded Eminönü district of Istanbul next to
the Hagia Sophia, was built to provide water for the city of Istanbul during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century
CE. This cistern is an underground chamber of 138 x 64.6 metres. The large space is broken up by a forest of 336 marble
columns, which are aesthetically supported by strong columns and arches. The ceiling vaults, known as Manastır
Tonozu (cloister vault), are built without using a mould. The cistern is surrounded by a firebrick wall with a thickness of 3.5
meters and is coated with a special mortar to make it waterproof.The Grand Bazaar, was the commercial heart of the old city
and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods.
Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.
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