Royal Academy Exhibition and a visit to Istanbul
Tuesday 17th February 2009
Many of you have already told us of your visit to the wonderful exhibition at The Royal Academy which traces 1,000 years of the splendours of Byzantium from 330-1453. Some 300 objects are on display, showcasing the artistic output of an Empire throughout its rise and its fall.
It closes on 22 March – so you still have time to go!
Byzantine Constantinople was fabulously wealthy with its legendary hippodrome, palaces and churches and much of this can still be seen in modern day Constantinople (Istanbul) which is European Capital of Culture 2010.
2010 is the perfect time to soak up more of this incredible period of history. The parks and gardens of the old city, the exquisite architecture of the sultans’ Topkapi Palace (housing treasures of the Ottoman Empire), and, of course, the famous Blue Mosque make this a special destination.
Istanbul offers a rich historical and artistic blend of the European and the Asian. The imposing Hagia Sophia, for example, began life as a Byzantine Cathedral, was later used as a mosque, and is now a museum. Other highlights which could be included in a tour are the Church of St Sergius & St Bacchus, Dolmabahçe Palace and the magnificent Mosaic Museum.
Call us for more ideas on a tour Istanbul 2010.
