Hagia Sophia (or Hagia Sophia Mosque)- is one of the greatest examples of Byzantine culture. The Orthodox temple was built in the 4th century on the site of the ancient acropolis, during the reign of Justinian. In 1453, after the arrival of the Ottoman Empire, by order of Mehmed Fatih Sultan, minarets were added to the temple and it was decided to rename it the Hagia Sophia Mosque. In the Temple you will see a baptismal font, ancient mosaics and a sacred column. In 1935,Hagia Sophia was transformed into a museum, which is one of the most visited museums in the world. Nowadays, it is a functioning mosque Hagia Sophia. Every year, about 9 million people visit the Hagia Sophia Cathedral
Galata Tower - one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul. In 507 AD, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, an unnamed tower was built on a high hill. By visiting this ancient structure, you get a unique opportunity to view the entire city from a bird's eye view. The tower at different times served as a lookout, an observatory, a lighthouse and a prison.
Balat District-traditional Jewish quarter in the Fatih district. Balat has absorbed the multifaceted culture of the peoples who lived here for centuries. Today, the district has become a tourist attraction, preserving the spirit of the great city. These are old colored houses, multi-colored stairs, umbrellas on the streets, and street cafes decorated in the ruin style. Having visited the Balat district, you will have the opportunity to take stunning
photographs, which will certainly reflect the spirit of the past.
Pierre Loti Hill-это одна из лучших смотровых площадок города. Когда-то здесь вдохновлялся автор романа “Азиаде”, французский моряк и писатель Жюльен Вио, это была история любви офицера-француза и молодой турчанки - невольницы турецкого паши. Попивая традиционный чай и кофе, с высоты 53 метров вы насладитесь панорамными видами на Золотой Рог и спуститесь по канатной дороге.
Taksim area -has its own unique flavor, thanks to shops, antique shops, street musicians, cafes and a historic funicular. Agatha Christie wrote her novel "Orient Express" here, in the Pera Palace Hotel (external inspection). The pedestrian Istiklal Street leads to Taksim Square, where a historic tram runs, the route of which has remained unchanged for more than a hundred years. In the center of the square is the 12-meter monument "Republic", erected in 1928, includes sculptures of marshals Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, as well as Kliment Voroshilov and Semyon Aralov.
Church of Saint Antoine-this is what the locals call the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, which is the largest Catholic church in Istanbul. In this same church, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Pope John XIII, preached for the first time. The church attracts with its elegant façade in the Italian Gothic style. The interior amazes with artful frescoes, which depict biblical scenes with incredible detail.
Beyoglu district-is the first thing that comes to mind when asked about the most famous place in Istanbul. The bustling Beyoglu district is home to historic quarters with exquisite architecture, exhibition galleries, art and
cultural centers. It is also home to the busiest street in Istanbul – Istiklal.
Galata Bridge-in Istanbul, a bridge across the Golden Horn Bay, which connects the old and new parts of the European side of Istanbul. It was built in 1845 during the reign of Sultan Abdul-Mejid I. The Galata Bridge is a drawbridge with two levels, the first level houses fish restaurants and a promenade, and the second level is used for transport traffic. Local fishermen fish on the Galata Bridge in any weather.
08:30-15:00 DAILY (except Sunday)
The price of the excursion includes: entrance tickets, transfer and services of a licensed Russian-speaking guide.