9 siti del patrimonio mondiale dell'UNESCO da non perdere a Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia —perhaps Istanbul’s most famous site—is a stunning piece of living history. Over the course of 1,500 years, this captivating 6th-century structure has transitioned from cathedral to mosque to museum—and is now, again, used as a mosque. The building’s kaleidoscopic beauty expertly melds the art and architecture of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and includes a plethora of beautiful art, such as the well-preserved Christian mosaics and gilded Quranic verses that adorn the interior. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to this UNESCO treasure.

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) ranks high on Istanbul bucket lists and is conveniently located in the heart of the Sultanahmet District, opposite the Hagia Sophia. Commissioned by the youthful Sultan Ahmed I, the 17th-century marvel was completed in only seven years. Adorned with over 20,000 handcrafted tiles from the nearby city of Iznik and featuring intricate calligraphy, chandeliers, and Quranic verses, the mosque is a captivating display of artistry combined with spiritual significance. For a truly immersive experience, take a guided tour of the iconic jewel.

The Topkapi Palace was the primary home of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years (1478–1856) and had the capacity to house up to 4,000 people. The building became a museum in 1924, and it now preserves significant Muslim relics, including the Prophet Muhammad's alleged cloak and sword. Other highlights include opulent Ottoman robes, the famed Spoonmaker's Diamond, and the intricately designed harem area, which offers a glimpse into the lavish lives of the Ottoman rulers.

Insider tip: There is an additional fee to visit the harem in the Topkapi Palace, so be sure to purchase the combination ticket upon arrival if you want to see it.

The 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the royal architect Mimar Sinan (under the direction of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent), is situated near the Spice Bazaar, away from the tourist center—and, therefore, sees fewer tourists than other, comparable, sites. Its relatively simple interior is augmented by intricate stained glass and Quranic verses. Sinan's innovative architectural features include elastic, earthquake-resistant foundations and a ventilation system. The Suleymaniye Mosque is the final resting place of Sultan Suleiman and his influential consort, Roxelana (Hurrem Sultan)—and of its architect, Sinan, himself. Travelers who take a Bosphorus Cruise can enjoy a clear view of the mosque’s exterior.

Insider tip: If visiting Süleymaniye Mosque in the winter, make sure to walk to the nearby Vefa Bozacisi to taste boza, a thick fermented malt drink topped with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas that is beloved by Turks everywhere.

Istanbul, l'ex capitale sia dell'Impero Bizantino che dell'Impero Ottomano, vanta una storia affascinante che risale a migliaia di anni fa. Dalle antiche rovine ai capolavori del XVI secolo, ecco alcuni dei siti e monumenti da non perdere a Istanbul, dichiarati Patrimonio dell'Umanità dall'UNESCO.

Sarayburnu

Sarayburnu è un promontorio strategicamente significativo tra il Corno d'Oro e il Bosforo. Sede del famoso Palazzo Topkapi e del Parco Gulhane, Sarayburnu attira i visitatori desiderosi di ammirare ampie vedute sul paesaggio costiero.

Palazzo Topkapi

Il Palazzo Topkapi del XV secolo era un tempo dimora dei sultani ottomani e oggi ospita uno dei più grandi musei della Turchia. I tesori all'interno includono porcellane giapponesi del XIII secolo e armi usate dall'esercito ottomano. Il Palazzo Topkapi è presente nella maggior parte dei tour a piedi di Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

La prima cattedrale cristiana dell'Impero Romano, Hagia Sophia risale al VI secolo. Questo straordinario edificio ha svolto il ruolo di basilica e moschea imperiale durante la sua vita e oggi ospita un museo. Il suo interno mostra mosaici bizantini e ornamenti in marmo e mette in luce i leader romani del X secolo, tra cui l'imperatore Alessandro.

Moschea del Sultano Ahmed

Ampiamente conosciuta come la Moschea Blu, la Moschea del Sultano Ahmed è stata un luogo di culto islamico dal 1616. Con 13 cupole e sei minareti, la moschea è un punto di riferimento nello skyline di Istanbul. I visitatori possono esplorare la moschea con visite guidate e ammirare tesori tra cui le piastrelle blu di Iznik che coprono il soffitto.

Hagia Irene

Per generazioni Hagia Irene è stata una chiesa ortodossa orientale e oggi è un famoso museo e sala concerti. Si trova all'interno di uno dei cortili del Palazzo Topkapi, dietro la Basilica di Santa Sofia, e ospita concerti di musica classica e mostre d'arte.

Moschea Zeyrek

Costruita nel XII secolo, la Moschea Zeyrek è un ottimo esempio di architettura bizantina e una delle più grandi del suo genere a Istanbul oggi. Con mattoni a incasso, marmi colorati e antichi mosaici, la Moschea Zeyrek mette in mostra gli stili architettonici di Costantinopoli dal XII al XV secolo.

Moschea Suleymaniye

Progettata dall'acclamato architetto ottomano Mimar Sinan, la Moschea Suleymaniye occupa un posto d'onore sulla Terza collina. Una delle più grandi moschee della città, fu completata nel 1558 e ancora oggi accoglie i visitatori. I tour salta fila consentono ai viaggiatori di aggirare le linee di ingresso.

Piccola Hagia Sophia

Un tempo chiesa greco-ortodossa orientale, la piccola Hagia Sophia fu trasformata in una moschea sotto il dominio ottomano. L'esterno presenta tecniche architettoniche attribuite ai costruttori di Costantinopoli, mentre l'interno dell'edificio vanta uno spettacolare colonnato a due piani con dediche ad imperatori e santi patroni del passato.

Mura di Costantinopoli

Questi muri di pietra difensivi un tempo circondavano Costantinopoli (l'attuale Istanbul), aiutando a proteggere la città dagli attacchi. Oggi, i visitatori possono camminare in salita dal quartiere di Ayvansaray per vedere cosa rimane delle mura. Le attrazioni nelle vicinanze includono l'antica chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore a Chora, ora il Museo Kariye, con i suoi mosaici e dipinti.

The Hagia Irene (Aya Irini), commissioned by Emperor Constantine I in the 4th-century, was Constantinople’s first church. After the first version of the building was destroyed in the Nika revolt of 532 CE, Emperor Justinian I undertook its reconstruction, resulting in the present-day structure. After the Ottoman conquest of 1453, the church became a part of the grounds of Topkapi Palace and served various purposes, ranging from a janissary armory to a weapons museum. Today the Hagia Irene is known not only for its architecture and history but also for its fantastic acoustics. The church also functions as a performance venue during the city’s world-renowned Istanbul Jazz Festival. Take a deeper dive into the building’s history with a pre-downloaded audio guide or on a guided tour.

Insider tip: The Istanbul Jazz Festival takes place at several venues throughout the city. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.

The Hippodrome of Istanbul, constructed in the 3rd-century and completed during Constantine I's reign, was a vast racetrack with an estimated seating capacity of 100,000. In addition to chariot races, the site also hosted political discussions—making it one of the city’s rare locations that welcomed royalty, politicians, and commoners alike. It was also the starting point of the Nika revolt in 532 CE, which resulted in 30,000 casualties. The Ottomans, who were disinterested in chariot racing, used parts of the venue for building stone. Eventually, the Hippodrome fell into complete ruin, leaving only three surviving monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column (Delphi Tripod), and Obelisk of Theodosius. To get the most out of your visit and learn about the area’s history, you take a guided tour of the city that stops here.

The Zeyrek Conservation Area was established to preserve earthquake-damaged Ottoman mansions and restore their lattice work, decorative wooden screens (mashrabiya), overhanging eaves, and pastel paint to their former, 19th-century, splendor. The area’s top landmark is the 12th-century Zeyrek Mosque (originally the Monastery of the Pantokrator), one of the city’s best-preserved Byzantine structures. Other local sights include the 4th-century Roman Valens Aqueduct, and Fatih Memorial Park. If you visit Zeyrek on a Wednesday, you can also catch the Fatih Carsamba Pazari (Wednesday Market), where locals pick up fresh produce, clothing, and other odds and ends.

Insider tip: The Zeyrek neighborhood is more conservative than most tourist-friendly areas of Istanbul, so though it is not required, you may feel more comfortable if you dress modestly when visiting this area.

Though the Archeological Site of Troy lies outside Istanbul’s city limits, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, near Canakkale, is a popular day trip destination for many travelers. Since its founding in the Early Bronze Age (3,000 BCE), the city was rebuilt multiple times after the Trojan War, notably in the Troy II and Troy VI phases. Points of interest include the symbolic location of the Trojan Horse deception, the possible former site of the Scaean Gates, and areas associated with Achilles' confrontation with Hector—all of which offer tangible connections to the Iliad's legendary narrative. Visitors can also explore the site’s life-size reproduction of the Trojan Horse.

Insider tip: Head to Canakkale’s city center to see the Trojan Horse model used in the 2004 film Troy.