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

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

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

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

The only Roman honorific column in Istanbul.

Come for the whole sides of slow-roasted lamb, stay for the regional Kurdish specialties.

Taking the subway here means doing so over a bridge located in the middle of an estuary.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

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

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

Quite possibly the oldest love poem known to humankind.

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

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

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

An Art Nouveau gem hides beneath the layers of city grime obscuring this once-magnificent building.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

This Turkish cave boasts some rather bizarre associations with the King of Mount Olympus.

The alleged house of the Virgin Mary is tucked away in a park and nature preserve on Mt. Koressos in Turkey and is holy to both Catholics and Muslims alike.