Blue Mosque Istanbul

Built between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque faces Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square. Its cascade of domes and six slender minarets make it one of the most recognisable sights on the Istanbul skyline, and the nickname comes from the blue İznik tiles that cover its interior walls.

Inside, light from more than two hundred windows falls on the carpets and painted domes. Your guide points out the details while you sit quietly and take it in.

It is an active mosque, so it closes to visitors during the five daily prayers and for longer at Friday midday. Shoes come off at the door, and modest dress is required for everyone. The gardens between the mosque and Hagia Sophia are lovely in the evening, when both buildings are lit up.