Topkapı Palace
The Topkapı Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans and also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Istanbul. The palace, expanded upon many times throughout time, served as the home of the Ottoman sultans and their court until the midst of the 19th century.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 5,2 km, 9 min
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya, Greek: Αγιά Σοφιά, full name: Ναός τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Θεοῦ Σοφίας, Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia) A historical museum in Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia was a patriarchial basilica, which was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532-537 in the old city center on the historical peninsula of Istanbul. Following the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmed II in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into mosque. It has been serving as a museum since 1935.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 5,2 km, 9 min
Grand Bazaar
The construction of the Grand Bazaar started in 1461. It is a unique center with its 66 streets, 40000 shops on 30700 m² and a labyrinth-like setting that should be seen while visiting Istanbul. Built by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Istanbul, the bazaar has expanded in time. Until recently there has been 5 mosques, 1 school, 7 fountains, 10 wells, 1 sebil (public fountain), 1 şadırvan (water tank with a fountain), 24 gates, 17 hans. Two buildings from the 15th century covered with a series of domes have been expanded with the addition of the new streets which have also been covered and throughout the centuries it has evolved into the enormous shopping center it is today.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 6,0 km, 12 min
Galata Tower
Galata Tower, built in 528, is a stone tower in the Galata quarter. It is one of the most striking landmarks of Istanbul and offers a panoramic view of Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Istanbul. Its coordinates are: 41°1′32″N, 28°58′27″E. Being one of the oldest towers in the world, Galata Tower was first built by Byzantine Emperor Anastasius as a lighthouse. It was largely destroyed during the IV. Crusade in 1204 and rebuilt with the name of the Tower of Christ as an expansion to the ramparts of Galata by Genoese in 1348. At that time, it was the tallest building in Istanbul.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 1,1 km, 6 min
Galatasaray Hammam
The Galatasaray Hammam is within the body of the Galatasay Külliyesi (an Islamic-Ottoman social complex) and it was built together with the Külliye by Sultan Beyazıt II in 1481. The construction story of the hammam is quite mysterious. While Sultan Beyazıt was wandering around the area, where the Galatasaray Lycee and the Galatasaray Hammam stands today, he saw a hut. This hut belonged to one of the most respected men of his time – Gül Baba. Sultan met him and asked; “Gül Baba, is there anything that you wish for?”. Gül Baba asked Sultan to build a big külliye containing a school and a hammam that would endure centuries on that area. Sultan accepted his wish and had the külliye built in 1481.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 2,6 km, 8 min.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmet I by Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa on the historical peninsula of Istanbul. It is known as the Blue Mosque by Europeans for the blue, green and white İznik tiles adorning its interior walls and blue ornaments on the interior of the domes. It became the main mosque of Istanbul with the conversion of the Hagia Sophia from mosque to museum in 1934.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 5,3 km, 10 min.
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (Greek: Πατριαρχεῖον Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, Patriarhion Konstandinupoleos) is the center of Orthodoxy which has been an important part of the religious debates in Christianity since 6th century. After the conquest of Istanbul, with the regulations Sultan Mehmet II did about the lifestyle of non-Muslims, Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has gained a permanent legal status.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 2,3 km, 8 min
Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Street)
The Istiklal Avenue (Ottoman: (Before 1927) Cadde-i Kebir, French: Grande Rue de Péra) has been one of the most famous avenues of Turkey since the end of 19th century. It is located in Beyoğlu, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul, between Tünel and Taksim Square. The avenue is 1400 meters long and the point where 50. Year Monument stands is accepted to be the midpoint of it. It constitutes the main axe of the Beyoğlu District together with the Tarlabaşı Boulvard that lies parallel to it. The Istiklal Avenue, approximately 74 meters of altitude, includes 9 neighbourhoods.
Distance to the Point Hotel Taksim: 2,7 km, 9 min.