A picture of the present-day interior of Haghia Sophia.  This large room is called the nave.

History: The present-day building was erected by the emperor Justinian and dedicated on December 26, 537 A.D. after a massive building project spanning 6 years and costing 320,000 pounds of gold and the labors of 10,000 men.  The dome atop the building is the largest in the world, so two mathematicians were employed by Justinian to help in its construction.  The site had housed 2 other churches previously, but both were destroyed in massive fires due to riots in the city.  The name "Haghia Sophia" translates to "Divine Wisdom" and was named so by Constanius, the son of Constantine the Great.  Over the years, various earthquakes weakened the structure and caused partial collapses of the dome, all of which were expeditiously repaired. Many buttresses were also added on all sides of the building for structural support.  

Upon walking into the building, you will be marveled by the attention to detail taken in the design.  As the historian Procopius put it: the dome seems to have no solid foundation - it seems to be suspended by a "golden chain from heaven."  Windows are placed so that the gold and silver of the ornate mosaics and furnishings are suffused in light.  Upon entering the building, you will pass through two narrow entrance halls, called narthexes, which are ornately decorated on their ceilings and walls with marble panels and mosaics.  As elaborate as these halls are, neither are as awe-inspiring as the nave, or main hall.  This huge space is very richly detailed with various colors of marble, gold, silver, and numerous mosaics. 

Hippodrome

This is a computer-derived animation of the Hippodrome.

History:  The original structure was built in 200 AD by Emperor Septimius Severus.  When Constantine the Great chose Constantinople (then Byzantium) as his new capital, the arena was expanded and enlarged.  

The Hippodrome is the focal point of social activities in the city, just as Haghia Sophia is the focal point of religious activities.  Statues and columns decorate the main arena and the exterior.  The stadium can seat over 100,000, and events such as chariot races and circuses are presented regularly.  If attending a show, however, be careful, because fights and riots frequently break out between rival groups.  

Palace of Blachernae

An interior view of a room in the church connected to the palace.

History:  This palace was built by Emperor Anastasius around 500 AD, and has been used by the imperial family ever since. Over the years, many additions were added on to enlarge the building.  The largest additions and remodels came during the 11th and 12th centuries during the reign of the Comneni Dynasty.  The magnificence of the palace greatly impressed the Crusaders who took the city in 1204, and may have heightened their desire to take the city for themselves.  

This is the main residence of the imperial family.  Although being granted an entrance is extremely rare, one can see the incredibly elaborate details on the outside of the buildings, as well as the gardens, from a distance.  

The Theodosian Walls

This is another computer simulation of what the walls looked like from the outside.  The moat, outer walls, and guard towers can be seen.

History:  These great walls were first begun in the 5th century under the reign of Theodosius II for protection against invaders, who at that time were the armies of Attila the Hun.  When Constantine took power, he extended the walls, made them stronger, and also added a second outer wall and a moat, making them virtually impregnable to attackers.

The Theodosian Walls are the primary defense for the city against invaders.  Consisting of an outer moat and wall, and then the main wall, the walls are immense structures built at great expense.  The first line of defense is the moat, which is 10 meters deep and 20 meters wide and is flooded when enemies approach.  The outer walls are 2 meters thick and 5-8 meters tall, followed by a 15-20 meter wide terrace and then the main walls, which are 5 meters thick and up to 12 meters tall.  The main walls consist of guard towers placed every 55 meters, which are equipped with "engines for hurling missiles" and equipment to use the incendiary mixture known as "Greek Fire."  The walls have 10 gates, 5 of which are public and the other 5 which are used exclusively by the military.  

The Princes' Isles

This is one of the monasteries on the largest island.  Over the years, the monasteries have housed many exiles, giving the islands the name "Isles of Exiles."

These 9 islands are said to be some of the most beautiful areas in all of Constantinople.  Situated on an archipelago, these islands house 2 monasteries and a convent, as well as several small copper mines and fishing villages.  Several of the Patriarchs of Constantinople are buried here.  A fisherman can give you a ride over to the islands for very little, making it a nice day-trip.  

Galata

A view of the Galata Tower.

History:  Galata began as a semi-independent Genoese merchant colony in 1261, when the Byzantine emperors approved the district.  These Genoese built many walls and fortifications around the city as protection.  Once this city center became too crowded, many of the richer merchants and upper class moved out into the countryside north of the city, building huge mansions and houses. 

Galata is a huge commercial center with numerous markets.  The markets are mostly divided according to what is sold, such as the fish market or the produce market.  One of the best places to visit is the Galata Tower, or the Tower of Christ, which is one of the main fortifications of the city.  The top level of the tower commands a view over the entire area, including the Galata Bridge, and the Strait of Bosphorous.