Historvius (mapping history)

Historic Sites in Istanbul

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Our guide to historic sites in Istanbul will help you discover the historical treasures of this famous city.

We all know that Istanbul was Constantinople, but now Istanbul’s not Constantinople – what you may not know is that there’s quite a lot left over from Constantinople that you can still visit today. In fact, modern Istanbul is one of the great historic cities of the world and is packed full of amazing historic attractions to explore.

Founded by the Greeks as the city of Byzantium in 667BC, the location made it a prominent trading centre and important strategic strongpoint between East and West. Fought over countless times, Byzantium later fell under the control of the Roman Republic and Empire. However, it was not until the rule of the famous Emperor Constantine I that the city would become the very heart of the Empire. Constantine transformed the city into what he saw as the ‘new Rome’ in 330AD – the city rapidly became known as Constantinople, a name it would hold for over 1,500 years. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Constantinople continued as the capital of what is now known as the Byzantine Empire and would flourish for hundreds of years as one of the most prominent cities of the age.

However, the gradual decline of the Byzantine Empire took its toll on the city, which was besieged on a number of occasions, sacked by Crusaders and finally captured by the Ottomans in 1453. For the following centuries the city would be the vibrant heart of the Ottoman Empire and would see grand building projects and cultural achievements whose legacy can still be seen today. It was not until the fall of the empire after WWI that the city would see its status altered – it was no longer the capital of the new Turkish Republic and was officially renamed as Istanbul in 1930.

Today visitors to the city can explore this glorious historic heritage and discover amazing sites covering the entire tapestry of the city’s history – from the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace to the hidden vaults of the Basilica Cistern and beyond. You can discover our top selection of historic sites in Istanbul below. Our database of Istanbul's historic sites is growing all the time, but we may not cover them all. Remember, if you know of other historic sites in Istanbul, you can always add them to Historvius now by visiting our upload page.

Historical sites in Istanbul : Site Index

  • Anadolu Hisari Anadolu Hisari
    Also known as the Anatolian Castle, Anadolu Hisari was built by the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid I in 1395 and is one of many Ottoman sites amongst the historic sites in Istanbul.
    Photo by salihigde (cc)

  • Beylerbeyi Palace Beylerbeyi Palace
    The nineteenth century summer retreat of the Sultan Abdulaziz, Beylerbeyi one of the most picturesque historical sites of Istanbul.
    Photo by arteunporro (cc)

  • Dolmabahce Palace Dolmabahce Palace
    An opulent 19th century royal residence, which twice served as the seat of the Ottoman Empire, Dolmabahce Palace ranks among the most impressive historic places in Istanbul.
    Photo by xiquinhosilva (cc)

  • Galata Tower Galata Tower
    Originally constructed by the Genoese in 1348, the Galata Tower is a medieval turreted tower which has been used as a fortress, jail and even observatory. It is among the best Istanbul tourist sites for views of the city.
    Photo by access.denied (cc)

  • Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia
    Probably the most famous of all historic sites in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is a world renowned 6th century church turned mosque in the heart of Istanbul.
    Photo by David Spender (cc)

  • Haidar Pasha Cemetery Haidar Pasha Cemetery
    Haidar Pasha Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of Crimean War soldiers who died at the British army hospital at Selimiye Barracks.

  • Istanbul Archaeology Museum Istanbul Archaeology Museum
    Housing around a million artefacts from an impressive range of cultures and periods, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Istanbul.
    Photo by ae35unit (cc)

  • Istanbul Maritime Museum Istanbul Maritime Museum
    Perhaps not as well-known as some of the other historic sites in Istanbul, the Maritime Museum exhibits a variety of ships, weapons, works of art and artefacts covering a huge variety of cultures and civilisations.

  • Rumeli Fortress Rumeli Fortress
    One of the most impressive historical sites of Istanbul, the Rumeli Fortress was constructed as part of Mehmet the Conqueror’s campaign to capture Constantinople. Today it is a museum and offers good views from the towers.

  • St Savior in Chora St Savior in Chora
    Containing an amazing set of Byzantine mosaics, St Savior in Chora is an 11th century church turned mosque and is one of many historical places in Istanbul which has gone through several incarnations over the centuries.

  • The Basilica Cistern The Basilica Cistern
    An ancient underground wonder and one of the best historic sites in Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is a former water storage chamber built by Emperor Justinian.

  • The Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque
    One of Istanbul’s most iconic historic sites and popular tourist attractions, the Blue Mosque was the ambitious creation of young sultan Ahmet I.

  • The Florence Nightingale Museum The Florence Nightingale Museum
    One of the lesser known historical sites of Istanbul, the Florence Nightingale Museum gives a glimpse into the work and hospital of the Lady of the Lamp.

  • Topkapı Palace Topkapı Palace
    Among the most popular tourist attractions of Istanbul, Topkapı Palace is a 15th century former residence of the Ottoman Sultans and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Yedikule Zindanlari Yedikule Zindanlari
    Originally part of the Theodosian Wall, built by Theodosius II in the 5th century, Yedikule Zindanlari is an impressive Byzantine and medieval fort in Istanbul and one of several military fortifications found among the historical places of Istanbul.
    Photo by By Ramblurr (cc)

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