We will start our tour of the Sultanahmet district, center of old town, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus,the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted in to a mosque in 1453,it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old istanbul. It is also very fameus with its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. After Hagia Sophia we visit the Blue Mosque. This famous Mosque takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet 1st in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only mosque with six minarets in the Ottoman empire period.Of these The Hippodrome, an Egyptian obeliks and the Grand Bazaar are the places that ve visit.The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, jewelry,silks,ceramics,icons and leather goods.Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.
Important Note: 1)On Mondays,when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church,famed for its mosaics. 2)Blue Mosque is closed on Friday Mornings.