Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Palace · Turkey · Istanbul
Dolmabahce Palace
A lavish nineteenth-century palace on the shore of the Bosphorus.
Paid entry about 2 h
For storytellers
Why Dolmabahce Palace matters
Dolmabahce was built in the nineteenth century in a European-influenced style, with huge chandeliers, crystal staircases and grand ceremonial halls. It was the last residence of the Ottoman sultans and later where Ataturk spent his final days. The palace sits right on the waterfront.
Talking points
- It has a huge crystal chandelier in the ceremonial hall.
- Ataturk died here in 1938.
- The waterfront setting is superb.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Istanbul
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Palace · UNESCO
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
Historic site · UNESCO
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul, Turkey
A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
Market
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.