Istanbul

Even before you start to learn about the history or see the attractions, it is the fairy tale vibe of Istanbul that brings you back to the Middle Ages. Istanbul started as the Greek city of Byzantium before becoming the capital of the Western Roman Empire known as Constantinople (Nova Roma) in 330. Through early-Medieval times, the trade routes through this Christian capital helped to spread influential Byzantine throughout Europe. To some scholars, Constantinople was the most important city in Europe through much of the Middle Ages. The Church of the Holy Apostles even inspired the design of today’s Saint Paul Cathedral at the Vatican. The Muslim Ottoman Empire sacked Constantinople in 1453, making it their own capital throughout their Golden Age of expansion further adding to the melting pot of culture which is still alluring today.

A tour to the huge Topkapi Palace, erected in 1465 on top of an ancient Greek Acropolis, showcases Ottoman might and lifts the veil on the Medieval Sultans' harem. The vast Grand Bazaar's labyrinth-style paths (established in 1455) are also a fantastic opportunity to travel back in time in Istanbul, as you are surrounded by rugs, pottery, spices, and Turkish delights.

Country: Turkey