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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step into the epicenter of world history. On this sweeping, grandiose journey through Sultanahmet Square, you will stand exactly where the Byzantine and Ottoman empires collided, negotiated, and merged. This is not just a walk past old buildings; it is a deep dive into the architectural and symbolic dialogue of two superpowers. You will uncover how the Ottomans repurposed Roman civic spaces, why ancient Egyptian obelisks survived Islamic conquests, and how the skyline itself became a battlefield of imperial ambition. Prepare to see the scars of Crusaders, the triumphs of Sultans, and the ghosts of a hundred thousand cheering Romans.
- A 1.3 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 91 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Istanbul's main station, take local public transport toward The Milion (Milyon Taşı). Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to the monument. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
From the Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Istanbul's main station. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1The Stone of Million
The Byzantine zero-mile marker, the starting point for all roads leading to the cities of the Byzantine Empire.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
The ultimate symbol of imperial transition, converted from the greatest Christian cathedral into the premier imperial mosque.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Sultanahmet Square
The former sporting and social center of Constantinople, repurposed by the Ottomans as the 'Atmeydanı' (Horse Square).
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Obelisk of Theodosius
An ancient Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople in 390 AD, surviving both empires.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Serpent Column
A Greek bronze column from 479 BC, relocated by Constantine, its snake heads famously broken off.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Walled Obelisk
A Byzantine obelisk stripped of its gilded bronze by Crusaders, leaving a bare stone core.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Blue Mosque
Built by Sultan Ahmet I to rival Hagia Sophia, representing the peak of Ottoman imperial confidence.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Sultan Ahmet Tomb
The final resting place of Sultan Ahmet I, tying the architectural triumph back to the mortal ruler.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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