Byzantine Istanbul route: traces of Constantinople from Hagia Sophia to Kariye
Route summary
| Duration | 2 days |
|---|---|
| Best for | Lovers of history and Byzantine art |
| Number of stops | 16 |
| Total walking (approx.) | 7.4 km |
A short history of Constantinople
In 330 Emperor Constantine I declared the ancient city of Byzantion the new capital of the Roman Empire. The city grew with the walls of Theodosius II in the 5th century and reached its peak under Justinian in the 6th century with Hagia Sophia. After the Crusader occupation of 1204 it never regained its former power, and in 1453 it was conquered by Mehmed the Conqueror. Many Byzantine buildings survived to the present day because they were converted into mosques in the Ottoman period.
Day 1: The imperial centre
-
About 3 min walk to the next stop (230 m) Directions
-
About 4 min walk to the next stop (250 m) Directions
-
About 5 min walk to the next stop (370 m) Directions
-
About 6 min walk to the next stop (400 m) Directions
-
About 8 min walk to the next stop (580 m) Directions
-
About 4 min walk to the next stop (290 m) Directions
-
About 8 min walk to the next stop (570 m) Directions
-
Little Hagia Sophia
The church-mosque regarded as a “rehearsal” for Hagia Sophia.
Suggested time: 20 min
About 6 min walk to the next stop (400 m) Directions
-
Day 2: Hills, monasteries and walls
-
About 10 min walk to the next stop (680 m) Directions
-
About 8 min walk to the next stop (550 m) Directions
-
About 26 min walk to the next stop (1.8 km) Directions
-
About 12 min walk to the next stop (840 m) Directions
-
About 6 min walk to the next stop (420 m) Directions
-
The next stop is 3 km away (about 43 min on foot); a taxi or public transport is recommended Directions
-
Things to note on the route
In mosques converted from Byzantine churches (Hagia Sophia, Little Hagia Sophia, Zeyrek, Kariye) visits are restricted during prayer times and the mosaics are sometimes covered with curtains. The cisterns and museums charge for entry; for places that accept the Müzekart see our Müzekart route. Day two has hills between stops; you can walk from Kariye to the Tekfur Palace, but for the other legs a taxi saves time.
Our family hotels closest to the start of the route
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
-
Emirhan Inn Hotel
Hagia Irene: 20 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
-
Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Hagia Irene: 20 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
-
Green Life Apart Hotel
Hagia Irene: 20 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
-
Sareban Hotel
Hagia Irene: 21 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best-preserved Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul?
The most famous mosaics are in the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia and in the Kariye Mosque. The Great Palace Mosaic Museum shows floor mosaics from the imperial palace.
How many days does the Byzantine Istanbul route take?
The route we suggest takes two days: day one around Sultanahmet, day two the Golden Horn hills and the walls.