Istanbul: Hotels with Indoor Pool
Once the capital of the Roman Empire when it was known as Constantinople, Istanbul remains one of the world’s premier cities. The largest city in Turkey, it is also the country's culture and tourism capital. Its most recognizable attraction is the former mosque and basilica, the Hagia Sophia. Now one of Istanbul’s finest museums, it is best known for its huge dome and spectacular collection of mosaics, many of which date from as far back as the 9th century. One of Istanbul’s oldest buildings is the Maiden’s Tower, located on an island near one of the entrances to the Bosphorus. Originally built as a lighthouse four hundred years before the birth of Christ, it is now one of the city’s most unique restaurants and offers superb views of Istanbul. Even more spectacular vistas are available from the top of the Galata Tower. Completed in 1348, it rises over two hundred feet above sea level and is also home to a rooftop restaurant. Travelers interested in learning more about Istanbul’s Ottoman past frequently choose to explore Topkapi Palace, the former home of the Ottoman Sultans. Built in the fifteenth century, this sprawling complex is home to a museum that contains numerous artifacts from the Ottoman period as well as historic attractions such as the Conqueror’s Pavilion, the Imperial Treasury and the Enderun Library.
