Museum of Mosaics of the Great Palace

Museum of Mosaics of the Great Palace

The Museum of Mosaics of the Great Palace is located in Istanbul, Turkey, near the Hippodrome of Constantinople and situated within the Arasta Bazaar. Mosaics are what we now commonly refer to as tessellated artworks or mosaics, so this museum can also be called the Museum of Mosaics of the Great Palace. The museum houses numerous mosaics from the Byzantine Empire period, which were excavated from the ruins of the Great Palace of Constantinople.

The mosaic decorations in the Museum of Mosaics of the Great Palace were originally used to adorn the courtyard corridors, dating back to approximately the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. They were unearthed during large-scale archaeological excavations carried out by Turkish archaeologists between 1935–1938 and 1951–1954. One section constituted the southwest area of the Great Palace, including a colonnaded courtyard covering an area of 1,872 square meters, all decorated with mosaics. These mosaics feature a variety of patterns such as animals, mythological figures, and humans, showcasing the daily life and religious ceremonies of ancient people. Even after many years, these mosaics remain stunning and breathtaking today, leaving us in awe of the wisdom of ancient civilizations.

Great Palace Mosaic Museum

Why you must visit: The finest museum of mosaics in Istanbul

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Turkey

Province/State where the attraction is located: Istanbul Province

City where the attraction is located: Istanbul