Places zeitherias Wants to Go

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

The remains of the medieval city walls that once protected the Genoese quarter of Constantinople

A massive marble pedestal is all that remains of a column that towered over Constantinople for 1300 years.

The only Roman honorific column in Istanbul.

Byzantine emperors ruled, lived, and died in this 13th-century palace-turned-museum.

It's believed that this small church was connected to the Hagia Sophia via a secret tunnel.

A section of the long chain that blocked enemy ships from entering Constantinople.

A surprising and unconventional mosque hidden in the subsoil of Istanbul.

This historic hotel preserves many treasures from its heyday hosting passengers on the Orient Express.

Climb a set of vertiginous stone steps to the top of this impressive ancient edifice.

This shuttered power plant is now Turkey's first industrial archaeology museum.

This former Imperial summer home was the venue for a royal slap that once echoed 'round the world.

The legendary luxury train passage is commemorated with a charming museum inside its former eastern terminus.

The eclectic home of a leading Turkish architect is a gorgeous piece of eye candy.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

Large miniature theme park with 100-plus models.

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.