Great Palace Mosaic Museum

The museum holds about 180 square meters of Byzantine mosaics with intricate patterns in limestone and terracotta. The surfaces display a variety of geometric and figurative designs assembled with careful craftsmanship.

The mosaics were discovered in 1935 during excavations near the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The museum was established in 1953 to protect these valuable remains and make them accessible to the public.

The collection shows people and animals in everyday scenes such as hunts, farming work, and herds of livestock. Mythological creatures are also depicted, offering insights into the imagination of that era.

The museum sits in the Arasta Bazaar within the Blue Mosque complex and connects easily to other historical sites nearby. A visit pairs well with exploring the surrounding monuments.

The mosaics use tiny stones of about 5 millimeters arranged in different techniques. White marble backgrounds feature herringbone patterns, while figurative elements were created using the Opus Vermiculatum method.

Location: Fatih

Inception: 1953

Official opening: 1953

Architectural style: Byzantine architecture

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kabasakal Cad. Arasta Çarşısı Sok. No. 53, Torun Sk. No:21, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-16:30

Phone: +902125181205

Website: https://muze.gen.tr

GPS coordinates: 41.00444,28.97667

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53