Monuments in Turkey

Turkey, a country straddling two continents, stands as a captivating tapestry woven with the threads of diverse cultures and millennia of history. From the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, where the (Read More)iconic Hagia Sophia and the majestic Topkapi Palace grace the skyline, to the ancient ruins scattered across its landscapes, Turkey boasts an impressive array of monuments that reflect its rich heritage. Here is the compiled list of monuments of Turkey.

Here is the list of 14 Monuments in Turkey

1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

4.5 /5

Arguably the most spectacular example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia has been a cathedral, a mosque, and today is a museum and one of Istanbul's biggest attractions. Explore its vast interior, admiring the breathtaking domed ceiling, intricate frescoes, and impressive marble designs. All visitors (non-Muslims included) are allowed to enter. Guided tour is available.

4.6 /5

The Topkapi Palace is a majestic building that served as the main residence of the Ottoman emperors for nearly 400 years. Today it serves as one of the most important museums in Istanbul. It contains some of the rarest items in the world. Though the complex has several hundred rooms, halls, and chambers, only the most significant of them are open to the public

4.4 /5

This huge and beautiful Sultan Ahman Mosque sits right opposite the Hagia Sofia and houses hundreds of thousands of detailed decorations. It is famous for its blue interiors and is also known as the Blue Mosque. It is Istanbul's most picturesque building, complemented by the breathtaking architecture inside.

The ancient city of Ephesus is located in the Aegean region alongside the coast of Lonia. Full of historical sites and ruins of temples and monuments from the Neolithic Age, Ephesus is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, i.e. Temple of Artemis. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus also houses the Gospel of John, one of the seven churches in Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

4.3 /5

Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern in the city of Istanbul, built underneath the Stoa Basilica. It has hundreds of decorated columns and is a simply breathtaking piece of architecture. There is only a few feet of water in the cistern today, above which platforms are built for people to tour.

4.1 /5

The Dolmabahce Palace was the main residence of operation for the Ottomans after the Topkapi. It is built along the Bosphorus Strait and is another stunning imperial structure which today serves as a major tourist attraction. It is home to the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world.

Galata Tower is one of the most popular attractions of not just Istanbul but Turkey itself. This centuries old medieval monument erects straight in the middle of the capital and provides a panoramic view of the city. Also known as Galata Kulesi in Turkish, it makes its place in the skyline of Istanbul as one of the oldest and tallest towers in the city. Galata Tower is a nine-storeyed building having a height of 67 metres. A restaurant and a cafe sits on the top floors of the building from where you can enjoy your meal with the spectacular view of the city.

Sumela Monastery is an ancient monastery located on a cliff in the Macka region of Trabzon. It is a 1600-year-old Orthodox monastery whose walls are decorated with beautiful frescoes from the 18th century, depicting biblical scenes of the Virgin Mary and Christ. Its location is prominent as it is surrounded by dense forest, and one can also engage in mountain climbing and trekking to reach there.

4.3 /5

The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul. It took 7 years to build till 1557 and is an iconic landmark of the city. The interiors of the building are simple yet breathtaking.

The Bodrum Castle is a 15th-century military fort in the historical city of Bodrum. It is popularly known as the Castle of St. Peter and is home to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The castle is known for panoramic views of Bodrum from its ramparts. The historical monument has five towers, a mosque, and a tall minaret with elements inspired by Gothic architecture.

4.5 /5

The father of the modern Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, found his resting place at the Anitkabir, a mausoleum in Ankara. Standing tall on a hilltop, this mausoleum is elaborate and carved with intricate designs. The complex has many areas to explore, like the Hall of Honor, Peacock Park, Aslanlı Yol’, and Monument Block. The mausoleum looks mesmerizing at night, with its well-lit walls and borders.

Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome, is the centerpiece of Istanbul's Historical Peninsula. It is a few minutes' walk from the Sultanahmet tram station. It leads to the city's most fantastic attractions, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and Ibrahim Pasa Palace. Sultanahmet Square is also lined with hotels, restaurants, and other places of accommodation and leisure.

Pamukkale is located in southwestern Turkey, in the Denizli Province. It is very famous for its travertines (hot water springs) which is a magical site with turquoise pools and snow-white cliffs. It is one of the most photogenic places in the world.