Echoes of Constantinople: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, Basilica Cistern
About this experience
For a couple of hours, we will leave Istanbul to find ourselves in ancient Constantinople. This journey is not in space, but in time: I will take you to the places that remember the glory of the Byzantine Empire. The first thing you need to see is, of course, Hagia Sophia - a unique temple with an incredible history. Then we will visit the Hippodrome Square and end the walk by descending into the underground.
What to expect
This tour will open the doors to the past of great Constantinople.
Let's start with Hagia Sophia, where you will learn about its transformation from a Christian cathedral to a mosque, to a museum, and back to a mosque again. And you will enjoy the scale and beauty of the structure.
Next, we will move to the Hippodrome Square, where the Byzantines once entertained themselves, and explore the Egyptian Obelisk, which is already 3500 years old!
The final stop will be the Basilica Cistern - the largest Roman water reservoir in Europe. I will tell you how the city's water supply system functioned. And you can take impressive photos - even the underground areas were beautifully decorated in those times.
Organizational details
- Headscarf and modest clothing are required for entry into the mosque
- Additional entrance fees apply for the Basilica Cistern - 800 lira/person and for Hagia Sophia - 27€/person.
