Boukoleon Palace, Istanbul
Boukoleon Palace stands on the eastern shore of the Sultanahmet district,
close to a number of major landmarks including Hagia Sophia
the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque (Sergius and Bacchus).
It is one of the best known and most important historic palaces in Istanbul
Once the summer palace of the Byzantine emperors, it enjoys a perfect setting
and an enchanting view along the shore of the Sea of Marmara,
It was built in the fifth century AD in the reign of Emperor Theodosius II,
and its vast façade has stood firm for more than fifteen centuries,
making it one of the few Byzantine palaces still standing in Istanbul today.
A visit to the palace lets you discover how life was lived long ago,
through the old furniture, costumes and vessels on display
and the fine antiques and other precious heritage pieces.
You can also take in a great deal of remarkable architecture,
mosaic tiling and floor paving that go back many centuries,
making it one of the oldest landmarks in Istanbul.
The palace stands out for its great size and its enchanting view over the shore of the Sea of Marmara,
as well as the beauty of the ornament and carving that decorate its ceilings and walls.