The Great Palace Mosaics Museum

The Great Palace Mosaics Museum is just one of the many attractions to be found when exploring Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood. Despite being less well-known than some of the other city landmarks, this museum is a true treasure and is home to an incredible collection of Byzantine mosaics. These exquisitely preserved artifacts, which once decorated the Byzantine Imperial Palace’s floors, now give visitors a striking view of the artistic and cultural vigor of the Byzantine Empire.

Located next to the majestic Blue Mosque within Sultanahmet’s lively Arasta Bazaar, these mosaic masterpieces were originally part of the magnificent Great Palace of Constantinople, which had been constructed in the fifth century during the rule of Emperor Constantine the Great. Because of the palace’s age and the numerous alterations and additions it has undergone over the years, the precise architect remains unknown. It is thought that the mosaics on display in the museum were made in the sixth century, under the reign of Emperor Justinian I.

For centuries, the Byzantine emperors’ main residence was the Great Palace of Constantinople, which saw the expansion and decline of an empire. The palace eventually deteriorated, though, and the mosaics were hidden and forgotten. These delicate mosaics weren’t rediscovered until archeological digs for another project took place in the 1930s and 1950s.

An impressive collection of mosaics that have been carefully restored and displayed will greet visitors as soon as they step inside. These works of art show a variety of scenes, including those from daily life, mythical beings, and hunting scenes. Each piece’s specifics give us a remarkable understanding of Byzantine daily life, philosophy, and aesthetics.