Excelsior's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Istanbul, Turkey

Meryem Ana Rum Ortodoks Kilesesi

It's believed that this small church was connected to the Hagia Sophia via a secret tunnel.
Martina Azkoul Added by Martina Azkoul
Istanbul, Turkey

Taksim Mosque

One of the newest mosques in a city filled with thousands.
Pedro Richardson Added by Pedro Richardson
Istanbul, Turkey

Haliç Metro Bridge

Taking the subway here means doing so over a bridge located in the middle of an estuary.
Luis Morato Added by Luis Morato
Istanbul, Turkey

Golden Horn Chain

A section of the long chain that blocked enemy ships from entering Constantinople.
Luis Morato Added by Luis Morato
Istanbul, Turkey

Pera Palace Hotel

This historic hotel preserves many treasures from its heyday hosting passengers on the Orient Express.
Luis Morato Added by Luis Morato
Istanbul, Turkey

Theodosian Wall Stone Ladder

Climb a set of vertiginous stone steps to the top of this impressive ancient edifice.
Edward Denny Added by Edward Denny
Istanbul, Turkey

Pierre Loti Hill

Have tea in a cemetery with a dazzling view of Istanbul.
Added by Yao
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul 2461

Quite possibly the oldest love poem known to humankind.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Istanbul, Turkey

Column of the Goths

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Istanbul, Turkey

Serpent Column

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.
Istanbul, Turkey

The Spoonmaker's Diamond

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.
littlebrumble Added by littlebrumble
Adalar, Turkey

Prinkipo Orphanage

One of the largest wooden constructions in Europe was meant to be a casino, but soon became an orphanage.
Tony Dunnell Added by Tony Dunnell
Istanbul, Turkey

Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.
daneder Added by daneder
Istanbul, Turkey

Rumeli Hisari

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Istanbul, Turkey

Tünel

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.
Luis Morato Added by Luis Morato
Istanbul, Turkey

The Museum of Innocence

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.
Nichali Ciaccio Added by Nichali Ciaccio
Istanbul, Turkey

Panorama 1453 Museum

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.
serflac Added by serflac
Istanbul, Turkey

St. Stephen Bulgarian Iron Church

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.
littlebrumble Added by littlebrumble
Istanbul, Turkey

Piri Reis Map at Topkapi Palace

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.
Annetta Black Added by Annetta Black
Istanbul, Turkey

Camondo Stairs

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Istanbul, Turkey

Tombs of the Sultans

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.
leiris Added by leiris
Istanbul, Turkey

Obelisk of Theodosius

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.
Added by kirbyf
Istanbul, Turkey

Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.
Joel Cusumano Added by Joel Cusumano
Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.
Annetta Black Added by Annetta Black