Summer Palace of the Byzantine Emperors: Boukoleon Palace

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Boukoleon Palace (Bucoleon Palace) was the summer palace of the Byzantine emperors, which was built along the shores of the Marmara Sea in the south of the Great Palace of Constantinople. It is very probable that it was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (r. 408 – 450 AD) in the 5th century AD and its monumental façade still stands for more than fifteen centuries.

Plan your perfect day in the city: 12 hours in Istanbul

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You have 12 hours in Istanbul. Where would you go? Its a hard decision to make. There are plenty of choices and alternatives.

Would you go see the old city and visit the most famous temples of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque or Suleymaniye Mosque or do you fancy having a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and afterwards sit down for a relaxed lunch at one of those nice fish restaurants?