Living There
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was constructed in 537, It is a great example global monumental architecture which was first built as an Orthodox cathedral then in 1453 after conquest turned to a mosque. Exclusive building materials and architectural pieces were transported to Hagia Sophia’s contruction to Istanbul from ancient sites all over the Byzantine. Hagia Sophia was finished in 6 years later, it is a short period for such a splendid building.
You can check the link for detailed information about monumental Hagia Sophia;
http://backpackingistanbul.com/hagia-sophia.html
Basilica Cistern
Constructed as a Basilica then converted into a Cistern. The Basilica Cistern, largest of all cisterns in Istanbul, built in 6th century during the peak times of Byzantium. Store water for buildings around. Huge basilica’s domes covers an area of 9800 m2, is supported by 336 columns, arranged in 12 rows.
Galata Tower
It is not certainly known when it was constructed. Old, cylindrical Galata Tower still dominates Istanbul, one of the most striking monument of city. Once you reach top it provides great panoramic views, don’t forget to open space in your memory card for hundreds of photos.
Chora Church
Chora is a wonderful piece of Byzantium Architecture. Larger than Pammakaristos Church and little than Hagia Sophia, but probably contains finest Roman Mosaics and Frescoes. Chora Museum located in Edirnekapi, its name refers to its location, means “outside of the walls” in Greek. It was built out of city walls in early 5th century. By the expansion in walls in 413 AD, Chora became an in wall church unlike its name’s meaning. Today’s Chora you see was constructed in 1100s, mosaics and frescoes are dated from 1400s.
Maiden’s Tower
It was built on a rock located in Bosphorus, Salacak. It is not clearly known when it was constructed or why it was using for, claimed that it was built to take taxes from ships sail between Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. In years extra buildings added to tower and takes today’s shape. It was also used to protect the city and sometimes as a naval base.
