A Guide to Byzantium
Byzantium
The Byzantine Empire that flourished for almost 11 centuries during the 330-1453 AD and included almost entire Europe, the Middle East and several parts of North Africa succeeded over the Roman Empire. Earlier known as Byzantium, the imperial capital called Constantinople that is now known as Istanbul was a powerful city till it was attacked and subsequently ruled by the Turks of the Ottoman period.
Today’s Byzantium- With its exemplary architecture, Byzantium is considered to be a traveler’s delight. Whether you visit the churches in Sofia or the cathedral in Kiev, you will be smitten by the exotic beauty of these places for their exquisite design. The mosaic décor created in the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem by the skilled craftsmen of Byzantine era is unmatched for and hence won a place among the coveted collection in the Cathedral Treasury in Troyes and the National Museum in Belgrade.
The starting point---Istanbul--- The charm of old Constantinople is held intact in the triangular peninsula called Istanbul. That Emperor Constantine built a great number of public buildings in this city to outdo the importance of Rome is a truth.
To visit Istanbul, you can catch a flight of the British Airways or the Turkish Airlines from Heathrow. Moreover, if you are in Stansted or Manchester, you can fly on Turkish Airlines to the imperial city called Istanbul. Starting from Sultanahmet Square, you will come across the Hippodrome, built and expanded further by the Byzantine rulers. Near by is the famous Byzantium Hotel that life in the heart of the old city.
The ancient Emperors’ Palace that once had a complete dominance over the Byzantine city is completely beneath the structure of the modern city. The church of Hagia Sophia is still Istanbul’s wonderful monument belonging to the Byzantine period. Emperor Constantine ordered a basilica built just opposite the Forum because he wanted to make Constantinople a Christian city. Aya Sofya is still the greatest and the most ancient building surpassing Rome’s St. Peter’s. Aya Sofya mosque was modeled on Ravenna’s St. Vitale church.
The Italian city of Ravenna is worth a visit for every tourist. It can be accessed quite easily from a number of cities including East Midlands, Stansted, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Once a famous city of the Roman period, Ravenna was structured by the Byzantines to become a center of artistic excellence in Italy. A large number of monuments in this city have mosaics lending special charm and beauty. Many are considered to be the masterpieces displaying Byzantine art. Some of the masterpieces add décor to the Basilica of St Apollinare in Classe and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the St. Vitale Church, the Orthodox Baptistery and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Another place worth visiting is the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt constructed by Justinian the Great. The church still has some of the greatest collection of icons which can be seen by any visitor to this place. In the seventh century, Egypt no longer remained a part of the influential Byzantine Empire following the rise of Islam religion. This was a blessing in disguise as many precious ancient pieces of art were saved from possible devastation.
Where did the treasures of Byzantium go? --- In 1204, Constantinople was removed by the Crusaders. The Crusaders also looted its treasure which is now among the collections at European museum.
Bode Museum, the museum on the Museum Island in Berlin, which has been thrown open to the public only recently, is a must visit for every tourist. It has some of the finest collection of icons and carvings brought from the Byzantine court.
Any other place worth visiting? ----That is not all, for the second city of Greece named Thessaloniki is a cool and calm place to visit. The city has many small churches that contain some marvelous mosaics of Ezekiel. Also do visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Green which has collection of art pieces depicting the social life of Thessaloniki.
Although Bristol was not a part of the Byzantine Empire, however, the city does have some industrial buildings with colored bricks and designer archest that are reminiscent of the Byzantine period.