The 6th-century church of Hagia Sophia that dominates the Istanbul skyline is one of the best known and most visited sites of the historic peninsula.
Housed in a triptych of buildings on the hillside below Topkapi Palace,contains a treasure trove of finds both from abroad and from the city's own past
Amid Istanbul's many surprises, few places can be more unexpectedly romantic than the wonderful Yerebatan Cistern, which lurks underground just across the tram lines from Hagia Sophia.
Topped with a distinctive witch's hat roof, the prominent Galata Tower dates back to the days when Genose traders were settled in this part of town.
