The Great Palace Mosaic Museum displays mosaics of the Great Byzantine Palace discovered during archaeological excavations. They date from 450 to 550 AD.
The Great Palace was initially built by Constantine the Great (reigned 306—337 AD), the founder of Constantinople. It was destroyed during the Nika Riots in 532. Justinian I (reigned 527—565 AD) rebuilt it. The mosaics on display are on the floor of a peristyle court in the palace after Justinian rebuilt it. They cover just one-fourth of the entire court floor.
The mosaics mostly depict day-to-day life in Constantinople at the time, with animals, humans, nature motifs, and mythological scenes. Animals such as lions, eagles, snakes, and griffins are hunted and hunt each other. There are also pastoral and fishing scenes. There are no religious symbols.
Note especially a mosaic depicting two boys pushing a hoop with a stick, a popular pastime in Byzantine years. One is wearing blue, the other, green. These were the colors of the two rival political, trade, and sports factions (The Blues and The Greens) responsible for the 532 AD riots that burned down the palace as they shouted “Nika!” (Victory!).
Where is the Great Palace Mosaic Museum?
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum is 40 meters (43.7 yards) southeast of the southeast corner of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, across Kabasakal Caddesi (street). This is the street of the Arasta Bazaar, an upscale shopping center. It is underground, so only the entrance, with a sign, is visible.
For the larger Google custom map, click here.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum Visiting Hours
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum is open daily.
Summer (1 April to 31 October): 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Winter (1 November to 31 March): 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Note: The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the museum closes.
Address: Kabasakal Caddesi Torun Sokak Arasta Çarşısı No. 86, 34122 Sultanahmet/Fatih/Istanbul.
E-mail: ayasofyamuzesi@ktb.gov.tr.
Telephone: +90 212 518 12 05
Ken Grubb
I’m a retired US government investigator and adjunct instructor for the University of Maryland. I’ve lived in Türkiye for more than twenty years. I love learning about and investigating Türkiye’s ancient Christian sites. My archaeologist friends tell me my old job is a lot like theirs!
