14 Famous Landmarks of Istanbul

Istanbul is a huge city with thousands of landmarks. Most of them are historic buildings dating back hundreds of years, especially to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Some landmarks are more famous than others are, but all serve one common purpose as an identifiable object on the horizon.

 

1 – The Hagia Sophia, is a former church, mosque and now one of the most visited museums in Istanbul.

2 – Rumelihisari Castle stands overlooking the Bosphorus and was built in 1452.

3 – Dolmabahce Palace - 14 tons of gold and 131 handmade silk carpets were used in the decoration.

4 – Berlerbeyi Palace was a summer home of Ottoman rulers and the name means “Lord of Lords”

5 – Istanbul Military Museum showcases one thousand years of war in the region.

6 – Blue Mosque, possibly the most famous landmark, has stood proud since 1616.

7 – Basilica Cistern, located underground, contains the upside heads of Medusa.

8 – Galata Bridge is the place where cheap and delicious fish sandwiches are sold.

9 – Dolmabahçe Clock Tower is 27 metres high and was built in 1895

10 – Flower Passage is now full of restaurants but its history talks about the Russian women that used to sell flowers there.

11 – Galata Tower is the best way to see across the horizon of Istanbul, which is 66.90 metres tall.

12 – Topkapi Palace was the original palace of the Ottoman rulers.

13 – French Street, located off Istiklal Avenue, is the place to be seen at night time.

14 – Obelisk of Theodosius was originally erected in the old hippodrome of Constantinople.

Retrieved from turkishtravelblog.com