Istanbul's Hidden Fountains
A walk through Ottoman fountains, Byzantine cisterns, and historic hamams — Istanbul's most beautiful water-related heritage.
Stops (8)
The Han Balkava
Hamamı E6 4 Sleeping 11 Galateia Residence C5 12 Has Han Galata C7 13 Marmara Pera B4 14 Richmond Hotel C5 15 TomTom Suites D4 16 Vault Karaköy C7 17
1001 Columns Cistern
The second-largest Byzantine cistern in Istanbul after Yerebatan — 224 columns supporting a vaulted ceiling in a vast underground space. Less famous and less touristed than its neighbour, which is exa
Beyazit Square
ight and exit the bazaar from the Beyazıt Kapısı (Beyazıt Gate, Gate 7). Turn right again and walk past the market stalls to the first passage on the
Baltalı Kapı
s are within a 25km radius. Ruins in town include Baltalı Kapı (Gate with an Axe), a well-preserved Roman gate. Up a steep path from Gümüşkesen Caddesi
Basilica Cistern
Descend the stone steps and the city above vanishes — replaced by an eerie underground forest of 336 marble columns reflected in still, dark water. Built by Justinian in 532 to store the city's water
Çalık Hacı Ali Ağa Camii çeşmesi
Hamamı and the Kadı Camii . The Cuneyne Camii and Çalik Camii are a bit more difficult to find (ask around). There are frequent minibus services from
Beyazit Mosque
Centre Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque Complex MOSQUE ( Beyazıt II Camii ve Külliyesi ; GOOGLE MAP ; Beyazıt Caddesi, Yıldırım Beyazıt Mahallesi ) Standing i
German Fountain
Conqueror, builder of Topkapı, was the Beyond the Hall with Fountain is the the Kiosk of Mustaf