Imagine our planet without Rome, not Paris or New York. Difficult, is not it? There are so many attractions in those cities that the world could be considered world without these lights for architecture, art and trends of every sign. As Istanbul has absolutely nothing to envy to those big cities. Even more: it is difficult to find another place that can give competition in history, in plastic and, above all, personality and experiences. Far from giving the weight of the old stone with its many monuments were built, which was capital of the Ottoman Empire is regenerated with this fascination producing cities border. And this is more so than any other in the rest of the world: with one foot in Europe and one in Asia, or what is the same, on the border between Christianity and Islam; between East and West; between antiquity and a runaway future ...
Most of the beauties of this immense metropolis of over twelve million people are concentrated in Sultanahmet, in the European area. There, in a huge landscaped esplanade compete in dominion (and visitors) Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofia) and the Blue Mosque (or Sultan Ahmed). The first has been rejuvenated after centuries of hiding much of the original decor, thanks a painstaking restoration that has taken nearly two decades. If you already impressed visiting this huge temple was built over 16 centuries ago, it is now almost impossible to control the jaw to the astonishment produced its magnificent interior, superb dome over 55 meters high and 33 in diameter, with its galleries overlooking the large central bay and of course, the mosacios decorating altars, walls, columns and spandrels
Meanwhile, the Blue Mosque was built on the site where in ancient times was the imperial palace of Constantinople. Seeing his appearance is not very well understood the adjective blue. The mystery is cleared to enter inside, with spectacular decoration where the tiles of celestial Iznir are protagonists. If struck by the beauty of ceramic, not least make the tangle of small lamps hanging from the ceiling. Sultanahmet is next to the Grand Bazaar, this seductive labyrinth from which escape is impossible without falling into the temptation of buying. And also there is the Basilica Cistern, the largest of the sixty cisterns that supplied the needs of the Great Palace of Constantine I the Great.
The treasures of Topkapi
A walk through the Strait
The hill of Galata, which is accessed by foot, tram or car across the bridge of the same name, is dominated by a beautiful circular over 65 meters high tower.
Built in the mid-fourteenth century by the Genoese in Constantinople, Galata Tower was part of the fortifications from which the trading interests of the Maritime Republic were controlled. But rather than architectural or historical questions, worth up nine floors of the building to admire the superb landscaped show that give the restaurant and cafe housed allí.En the other side of the Galata Bridge (flanked at the bottom by numerous restaurants with Turkish and international cuisine) stands Eminönü, in the Golden Horn, from which spring the boats depart, in a couple of hours, walking paths Bosphorus return. Not very comfortable and somewhat expensive, you might think you are an expendable turistada. Nothing is further from the truth: who does not surf the legendary strait between Europe and Asia will lose one of the keys to understanding the uniqueness of this city, apart from one of their finest moments, especially if it coincides with sunset when the city of Istanbul is tinged golden and smell is intoxicating spices, salt, fish and oriental perfumes.
Hotels: Agatha Christie? Room 411
Not easy to make a selection of the best hotels in Istanbul. The offer is so wide that fits all types of travelers and budgets. As shown, four ideas orentadas luxury but very different in concept:Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Tevkifhane Sokak, Sultanahmet-Eminönü 1, I. www.fourseasons.com/istanbul). Oriental luxuries, amenities and Western privilege of sleeping next to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, the monumental city bud. To sleep in any of its 65 rooms, no one would say that this was, until a few decades ago, the terrible prison where the novel and film Midnight Express was based.
Pera Palace (Mesrutiyet Caddesi, 52, 34430 Tepebası, Beyoglu, www.perapalace.com). After a careful renovation, the hotel has regained its sheen as one of the most magnificent hotels in Istanbul. Suffice it to recall that in one of their rooms, the 411, the great Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel Murder on the Orient Express. And indeed, here the passengers arriving to Istanbul aboard the legendary train were staying. In total, 99 rooms and 16 suites.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski (Ciragan Caddesi, 32 www.kempinski.com). Ideal for those who want to experience full contact shape and proximity to the Bosphorus Strait and stay royally. Not surprisingly, this was the residence of the last Ottoman sultan. They draw attention to the luxurious decor, gardens and overlooking the magnificent pool. With 300 rooms, if you can afford it, book the Grand Sultan Suite.
Tomtom Suites (Bogazkesen Caddesi. Tomtom Kaptan Sokak 18, Beyoglu. Www.tomtomsuites.com). Concept of the latest in design and comfort, the hotel offers just 20 rooms. And that is a building of the early twentieth century renovated a few years ago. It is situated in the district of Galata, near Istiklal Caddesi, a large commercial (and pedestrian) route of the European part of Istanbul.
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