Private Istanbul Fener and Balat Tour

Highlights:

Balat Area
St Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Thedosius Walls
Fener Rum lisesi
Chora Church.
Suleymaniye Mosque

Balat: it is a neighborhood traditionally inhabited by Jews until they immigrated to Israel in the twentieth century. Bus rides with panoramic views of the walls of Theodosius: where the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II walled the seven hills of Rome to protect the new city of Attila the Hun and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of Saint Stephen, and their beauty is visible dominant from a distance. It is completely made of cast iron, although it seems stone. It is one of the few cast iron churches around the world that are preserved in their original format.

It continues to Eyup district for a memorable cable car ride up the hill from Pierre Loti and relax with a delicious Turkish tea or a drink at the famous Pierre Loti coffee. This coffee, typically oriental in its architecture, is located behind the Eyup Mosque on top of the hill. Coffee was named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti (1850-1923), who came here to work and see the enchanting panorama of Istanbul. Then we will visit Chora Church;  Considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine church that can be seen today. The interior is richly covered with mosaics and frescoes that make it one of the most important works bequeathed by the Byzantine artists

Fener: This neighborhood was once home to the Greeks and their houses are typically Greek style. The Greek Fener Rum Lisesi high school: the building of magnificent and unique red brick, Fener dominates from the top of the hill. Here we visit the St. George Orthodox Church (Patriarchate of Constantinople): The equivalent of San Pedro in Rome for Catholics. The historic and symbolic importance of this place is huge. It is one of the five main centers of Christianity. Visit Pammakaristos (Fethiye Camii): the main building continues to serve as a mosque, while the parekklesion became a museum. It hosted the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate until 1568. It contains the largest amount of Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul after St. Sophia, the Church of St. Saviour in Chora.

Imperial Suleymaniye Mosque: considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. It was built by Sinan. It was in the gardens of this complex where Roxelana Suleiman and his wife did build their mausoleums, and nearby Sinan built his own tomb.

Then you enjoy the Nargile with the locals in Istanbul in Corlulu Ali Pasa (Yeniçeriler Caddesi No.36 / 28): the charm of smoking hookah, custom in the Middle East. This is the most authentic place to do it, an oasis for locals and tourists. Relax between carpets and lamps colorful mosaics, while the aromas floating fruity snuff. It is a sensory delight in a mystical atmosphere.

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