Before there were Formula 1 cars, there were chariot races! This giant open square was once a stadium for 100,000 cheering fans. Charioteers would race around a central barrier called the spina, decorated with treasures from all over the world.

The Obelisk: Standing tall in the center is the Egyptian Obelisk, which is over 3,500 years old. It was carved from a single piece of pink granite and brought here by boat!

The Mission: Look closely at the "secret codes" (hieroglyphs) carved into the stone. They tell stories of pharaohs and victories from a time long before Istanbul even had its name

This building is an architectural miracle that has stood for nearly 1,500 years. When it was first built, people believed the massive dome was held up by an invisible chain from heaven because it seemed to float in the air.

The Cats: Hagia Sophia has its own security team a colony of famous resident cats The most famous was Gli, but her descendants still roam the halls and courtyards today.

The Wishing Column: Find the Sweating Column inside. Legend says if you put your thumb in the hole and it comes out moist, your wish will come true!

Famous for its six towering minarets (most mosques only have two or four), this masterpiece was built by Sultan Ahmed I to rival the beauty of the Hagia Sophia.

The Tiles: Inside, the walls are covered in 21,000 handmade ceramic tiles from the city of İznik. They feature over 50 different tulip designs, it’s like being inside a giant, blue porcelain jewelry box.

The Comfort: We finish here because of the thick, hand woven carpets. It’s the perfect place to sit quietly, look up at the cascading domes, and talk about the day’s adventures.