The Serpent Column and the Egyptian Obelisk at the Hippodrome of Constantinople

The German Fountain and the mosaics inside it's dome.

Hagia Sophia exterior view.

The

Floor mosaic at the Great Palace Mosaic Museum of Istanbul

The Medusa head at the bottom of the Underground (Basilica) Cistern.

The Underground (Basilica) Cistern of Istanbul

The "Pantocrator" mosaic of Jesus at the Kariye (Chora Church) Museum

Byzantine Wonders Tour gives visitors the chance to explore the majestic examples of the Byzantine architecture, engineering and mosaic art at its climax. You will admire the jaw-dropping 6th century architectural grandeur of Hagia Sophia Museum, get a sense of old Constantinople at the Byzantine Hippodrome of chariot races, discover the perception of Christianity in the Eastern Church of 14th century at the Kariye (Chora) Museum (The Church of St. Savior in Chora) and appreciate the extraordinary skills of Byzantine mosaics artists of the 6th century at the Great Palace Mosaic Museum(Istanbul Mosaic Museum), discover the engineering at the Underground Cistern (Basilica Cistern).

Itinerary

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Also known as the The Hippodrome of Constantinople was the historical venue for the ancient chariot races and sportive activities as well as political events of the Byzantium history, decorated with the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius (Egyptian Obelisk), The Constantine Column (or the Walled Obelisk). Today the area of the Hippodrome square is known as the Sultan Ahmet Square (Sultan Ahmet Meydani in Turkish).

Hagia Sophia Museum

The cathedral of Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom, served as Eastern Orthodox Cathedral between 562-1204, Catholic Church Cathedral between 1204-1261, again as Eastern Orthodox Cathedral between 1261-1453, then as an Imperial Mosque between 1453-1617. The building has been a museum since 1935. Being famous for its massive dome,impressive icons and mosaics are remarkable works of Byzantine art and gives a truly celestial feeling to its visitors.

The Basilica (Underground) Cistern

Known as Yerebatan Sarayi (Sunken Palace) or Yerebatan Sarnici (Sunken Cistern) in Turkish, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian I (ruled between 527-565) and it is a beautiful example of Byzantine engineering. This cistern was the largest of several cisterns that lie beneath the old city of Istanbul.

Kariye (Chora Church) Museum

The Church of the Holy Savior in Chora (Chora refers to an area outside the city walls of Constantinople), today known as the Chora Museum or Kariye Museum, is one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine Church which used to be part of a monastery complex. The church was converted into a mosque in the beginning of the 16th century and became a museum in 1948. Some of the finest and well preserved mosaics and frescoes decorates inside the church. The scenes portray life and miracles of Jesus, life of Virgin Mary and scenes from the Old Testament. Chora Church (Kariye Museum) is considered one of the most important museums for Byzantine and Christian Art.

The Great Palace Mosaic Museum of Istanbul

Also known as Istanbul Mosaic Museum, Great Palace Mosaic Museum is located very close the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and houses mosaics from the Byzantine period which were used to decorate the pavement of the courtyard of a peristyle court. The mosaics were unearthed during the excavations at the site of the Great Palace of Constantinople.