Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Turkey - Inspiring Vacations

1. Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Turkey - Inspiring Vacations From cave churches to grand mosques and subterranean cities, Turkey’s sights above and below ground will leave you with something to write home about A fascinating country that needs little introduction, Turkey’s charms are plentiful. From its rich history dating back to the 3rd millennium, 18 UNESCO heritage sites and natural wonders, down to its diverse food culture and vast landscapes, there are so many reasons to plan a visit to Turkey. Goreme Open-Air Museum An essential stop while in Cappadocia, this UNESCO heritage complex of ancient monasteries is a stellar example of architecture cave churches hailing from the 10th and 12th centuries. While a number of the frescos have compromised elements, the Karanlik Kilise– thanks to its lack of light – holds vivid frescoes depicting Christ on the cross and the Betrayal of Judas. rock-based with eleven been the by stunning Kaymakli Underground City While in Cappadocia, it’s essential to visit one of the 36 underground cities. While the deepest one is Derinkuyu, the widest remains Kaymakli (there’s apparently a 9 km tunnel connecting the two), which dates back to Hittites (Anatolian people) circa 1200 BC, and was used by the locals up until the 13th century. With 600 doors, the city’s inclusion of cellars, churches, wineries and stables and even a school, it’s a fascinating look at life below ground and the complex infrastructure and architectural skills required to live in a subterranean city. Basilica Cistern

2. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian 1, this captivating Byzantine structure towering marble columns (look for the two that sport a Medusa head) is the largest cistern in Istanbul. Located close to Hagia Sophia, its water filtration system was originally built to service the Great Palace and supply water to the Topkapi Palace from the Ottoman era until modern with 336 times. Said to store up to 80,000 m of water delivered by 20 km of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea, today it only holds a few feet of water but its presence more than adequately illustrates this engineering marvel of ancient times. Blue Mosque A majestic example of Ottoman-era architecture, the Blue Mosque (also known as Sultanahmet Mosque) with its distinctive facade and six minarets is as memorable on the outside as it is inside. Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Aga, it was constructed as a complement to the Hagia Sophia. Famous for its elaborate ceramic interiors with over 20,000 ceramic Iznik tiles depicting floral designs, along with hand-drawn paintings and calligraphy art of Quranic verses, it’s best visited in the evenings at least an hour before the call to prayer. As it's a working mosque, a modest dress code is required and non-worshipers are to enter by the north entrance (entry by donation). Pamukkale A UNESCO heritage site, the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale(also known as ‘cotton castle’ in English) is impossible to put in words. A natural wonder that’s numerous selfies, the white travertine terraces that cascade down a slope closely resemble a snowfield and are best captured at dusk when the sun casts a particular glow off its gleaming white surface. deserving of Kaleici

3. Like many other old towns, Kaleici exudes a unique charm with its historic houses, narrow streets and old harbour. An excursion that’s easily covered on foot, seek out the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Cami, an 18th century Ottoman mosque, the ruins of Kesik Minare Cami (also known as Broken Minaret Mosque) first built as a Roman temple in 2nd century BC but later converted to a mosque with a minaret added in the 13th century, and the Suna-Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum housed in a former Orthodox church. For non-history buffs, settle in the port side for a leisurely meal or take a stroll to the Karaalioglu Park at sunset. - Looking to visit other parts of Turkey? Inspiring Vacations have a range of tours on offer for the sunshine state; with sister company Travel Spree offering exclusive travel deals and offers. Don’t miss out!