Review: Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern Tour
Istanbul, is that where history actually shouts from every cobblestone and minaret, right? I mean, if you are considering visiting this amazing city, odds are the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, along with the Basilica Cistern are super high on your list. Very recently I took a guided tour which combined these really remarkable locations, and I’m just eager to, like, give you the lowdown, as a matter of fact spill all the tea regarding my happenings, you know, making it, potentially, somewhat simpler for you when planning your trip. Is it truly worthwhile? And are there any, like, gotchas, really, just to watch out for? Let’s see…
First Stop: The Majestic Blue Mosque
So, our first destination, that being the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, quite often, or basically more famously known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue Iznik tiles adorning the inside, right, is truly, pretty majestic. Now, getting into it could be a bit, well, something of a hassle given that the crowds are often rather, well, sort of big, to be honest, particularly during peak hours. I would certainly suggest arriving reasonably early, seemingly just to sort of sidestep a lot of the big queues, definitely. Just remember, you are expected to remove your shoes and the ladies, similar to your visit, will need to cover their heads, as a matter of fact but shawls are frequently available for loan close to the entry, which is, you know, really quite useful.
As you go inside, just be sure to glance upward! The elaborate tile work truly, you know, it almost feels magical. Sunlight filters through the stained glass windows in that sort of way that casts these remarkable colors all over, you know, the very sprawling prayer hall. Now, that being said, because it is an operating mosque, well there may be portions closed off during prayer times and obviously be aware, you, as well, must remain rather respectful as a matter of fact. The atmosphere is, actually rather tranquil even with, maybe, all the people close by, that’s something I actually detected, you know, still, very, well absolutely reverent. I spent roughly an hour there and personally feel is that this gave me sufficient enough time, actually to really take everything in, yet, I’m that type of person who is very speedy when going, very, very quickly!
The Iconic Hagia Sophia: A Blend of Histories
Walking over to the Hagia Sophia is certainly like traversing literally centuries right away – which you will probably detect as you go between locations, surely! Initially it was constructed, well as a cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, subsequently being transformed, as a matter of fact into a mosque, it’s, maybe, a location which is absolutely rich in, really, history, I mean, that could be easily argued, alright? Recently, really only rather recently, it was converted back, basically, into a mosque so there, is that, a certain degree of adapting for tourism there, clearly, or something completely similar. Because of its reputation and clearly its cultural relevance, anticipate significant lines here as well.
Stepping in, well just get yourself prepared to be, clearly astonished, to be sure. The scale of the space is really simply astonishing. Take note of the amazing mosaics which definitely display the history, a combination of both Christian and Islamic artistic expression, absolutely! The dome is truly an engineering feat, you might be surprised!, and, anyway, the feeling of being there, you know, so that the sense of awe is literally palpable, honestly. I found it truly worthwhile to possibly invest in the audio guide. It is able to give definitely crucial context, really, pertaining to all the numerous historical components, you know, which can really make the whole journey way more enlightening, well very easily in some respects. I set aside close to 90 minutes right here, and, yeah that’s pretty good to simply absorb all its splendor. You may find you really could very easily, potentially, hang around even more, so definitely plan for it, naturally.
Creeping Down to the Subterranean Basilica Cistern
Alright following the brightness and also the grandiosity regarding the Hagia Sophia, well, the Basilica Cistern really gives such a fairly unique experience entirely, alright? Moving down into this ancient subterranean area definitely, well, you will almost feel like you are really creeping back into some older phase regarding Istanbul’s history as a matter of fact, naturally. It had been constructed, in other words as being an underground cistern that, as a matter of fact could be used to store water for the, arguably, excellent Byzantine emperors, I think.
As you proceed through the walkways, basically observe the Medusa heads used as supports for many columns that is absolutely a truly remarkable feature, totally. Just a little hint, potentially, to, well actually just know the light is fairly low, and water drips frequently, therefore, just pay attention to where you’re placing your foot! It actually can all be incredibly evocative actually, offering an unusual viewpoint on, honestly, Istanbul’s historical past, certainly. I devoted approximately an hour right here. Really, it had been a really pleasurable break from the crowds and also the sunlight that’s out, definitely, and therefore, well, it may really be worth integrating into ones schedule, right.
Tour Logistics: What You Ought To Consider
Alright at the end of the day there are lots of tour choices to consider when you are putting a schedule, and naturally they are for the likes of the Hagia Sophia, clearly and of course the Blue Mosque with obviously other destinations, so surely I decided to select a tour blending each one of these 3 destinations basically which saved quite a bit of period right away, absolutely. Make certain to truly explore evaluations and, therefore choose a tour business giving qualified publications, right, with of course smaller team dimensions because actually having, you know, many people crammed along could have, yeah, well certainly that might potentially minimize ones enjoyment, naturally!
You must wear, you know, pretty comfortable shoes, and so of course expect walking fairly often – there is, as a matter of fact a little walking in there, without question. Maintain some water easily obtainable and so snacks, specially through summer, and then when the temps might be very intense alright. And undoubtedly you ought to, yeah, watch out for rip-offs around key tourist websites; keep the belongings safeguarded and basically basically understand your surroundings without question. Finally it’s good to really have some local currency handy specifically small expenses and ideas despite the fact credit cards maybe frequently accepted, so it’s likely you won’t miss your targets, potentially!
So, Is the Tour Really Worth It?
Ok, so wrapping everything in it and of course mulling, this, you know all this over I would say that the specific Istanbul Blue Mosque, basically that Hagia Sophia and also Basilica Cistern trip truly is definitely a must for, of course every first-time guest to the location to be sure. Each area truly is fantastic to find in that specific means plus also offering one thing incredibly distinctive with regard to historical relevance plus stunning elegance. The fact you are, alright, conscious, well you simply might stumble upon specific throngs plus achievable waits, preparation efficiently does definitely minimize all of the aggravation thus boost entire contentment.
Whether you tend to be truly a enthusiast of heritage generally so whether you are really essentially simply actually trying to tick off many top Istanbul web sites right after that yeah you must give, definitely, concern to be with these certain spots jointly to receive this unique knowledge definitely. Oh just in case, truly in your own period limitations basically maybe possibly a tour may just offer an actually excellent remedy for getting to, perfectly maximize this knowledge and ensure that basically you obtain more within a useful fashion alright? At the end of the day, so you better get planning.
- Blue Mosque: Arrive actually as early as possible to circumvent throngs; cover realistically and therefore truly value our sacred destination.
- Hagia Sophia: Truly devote quite a while, you understand, seriously; seriously check realistically audios directions or realistically manual instructions to get richer awareness basically.
- Basilica Cistern: Dress realistically simply because water maybe dripping seriously; treasure unique underground conditions.
- Tour Tips: Decide definitely definitely professional excursions realistically alongside much lower amounts realistically towards more comfortable have realistically in a means; maintain realistic drinking along realistic foods helpful basically realistic travel and leisure; truly have understanding realistically of atmosphere which can be yours honestly!
Have you traveled any of these locations? Or thinking on going? Talk about your travel or tour goals, below.
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