Alexius I constructed this Palace in the 11th century, in an area already noted for fine churches with Imperial patronage. The palace abutted the city's great walls, but in this area they have always been considerably weaker than the other stretches. Consequently the defences of the palace were very abdly damaged by cannon during the Ottoman invasion. Stretches of wall are still visitable from the outside, following the city wall line. One particular tower contains the complex known as the Dungeons of Anemas. In 2008 this was undergoing restoration and will everntually be open to the public. The best preserved section of the palace is the Palace of Constantine Porphyrogenitus, which remains impressive and high, though the interior was inaccessible in 2008.

Access: Generally visible at all times, though a little hard to find. Walls visible from the outside. Dungeons of Anemas are next to the Ayvaz Effendi mosque and a children's playground. The Porphyrogenitus palace is best reached by entering the city through the Edrine Gate and walking left down the interior of the walls.

DUNGEONS OF ANEMAS

PALACE OF THE PORPHYROGENITUS

PALACE WALLS

The Church of the Mother of God (aka the Fethiye Mosque) can be quite hard to find, but is well worth the effort. Set in a garden containing Roman stonework, this 11th century Byzantine church is partially still in use as a mosque, though the greatest historical part is now a museum with cheap paid entry. It contains some of the nicest architecture and decoration in Istanbul.

Access: I can give no real suggestions for finding the church. Perhaps the best way would be to start at the Cistern of Aspar, since a main road connects the two. Open 9:30 to 4:30 except Wednesdays.

OUTER VIEW

INTERIOR

DECORATION

CEILING MOSAIC

Probably the second or third most famous religious building in Istanbul, the church of Christ in the Field no longer serves a religious function, but is now a full time museum. Tucked away in the city's outskirts where tourists rarely go, it is a small haven of tourism. There are coaches and hawaiian shirts all around. This is one of the destinations for tours. It is, however, worth the trip. Constructed in the 6th century and regularly rebuilt and enarged until the 14th century, it contains some of the finest Byzantine decoration and mosaic in the world.

Access: The Chora church is not hard to find. It is a few roads away from the main thoroughfare through Istanbul (Fevzi Pasa road) Open 9am to 4:30 except Wednesdays

OUTER VIEW

MOSAICS

NAOS

PARAKLESION

As with all Istanbul's open-air cisterns it is very difficult in a photograph to show the scale of the construction. They will only really interest the die-hard Roman fan. This 5th century water tank is so large there is a park built within it. The walls of the cistern are visible across from the edge.

Access: Open at all times