Monuments to visit Route de la soie

This Arab residence dating back to 1757 was transformed into a museum of popular traditions. The interest of the place lies more in the building which welcomes it than the few old objects put into the scene by wax characters. A left-hand staircase from the entrance leads to the terrace from where the view takes the large courtyard with the very busy decoration and the grandiose iwan. A lemon stands in the middle of the courtyard. Beautiful gargoyles from the facade in the rococo style.

This beautiful classical building was built between 1764 and 1788, during the reign of Catherine II. The Academy trained state-commissioned artists and censored works deemed subversive. The children entered at the age of 6 and graduated at the age of 21, looking for a rich patron of the arts. The collection of some 600 copies of a rare delicacy of masterpieces of sculpture, painting and drawing alone is worth a small visit. We will also see the studio of Taras Shevchenko, the famous Ukrainian poet, who worked here during the last years of his life. The work of today's students is exhibited each year in September in the large parade hall. The Academy also administers several museums in the city:

Museum-apartment of the painter Isaac Brodsky. Ploschad' iskusstv, 3. open from Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 7 pm (300 RUB)

Museum-ownership Les Pénates d'Ilya Repine. Poselok repina, Primorskoe shosse, 411. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm in summer and 10.30am to 4pm in winter, from 15 September to 15 May (350 RUB).

Chistyakov House-Museum. Moskovskoye shosse, 23. open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 17h (150 RUB).

Museum-Apartment of Arkhip Kuindzhi. Birzhevoy pereulok, 1/10, app. 11. open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., cash desks close 30 minutes before (150 RUB).

The memorial workshop of T. G. Shevchenko. Naberezhnaya University 17. (150 RUB)

This is where it all began for St. Petersburg. Indeed, it was from this initial "palace", near the Neva River, that Peter the Great liked to direct the construction of his capital. Built in 1703, the Peter's House is quite simply the first and oldest building in the imperial capital. Today, the Dutch-style wooden house, with its small garden, is protected by a stone wall. The rusticity of the place recalls a particular trait of the character: its simplicity. Pierre did not like pomp, and many foreign sailors were aghast to learn that the man in the holed-up shirt who had just offered them a drink was none other than the tsar. Some of the great ruler's personal belongings are on display inside, including his boxwood pipe (a gift from his great friend Menchikov), simple clothes and his cane covered with skate skin. A place full of symbols that the Peter's House, which saw the birth of Saint Petersburg, is full of... This humble building was therefore the first summer palace of Peter the Great, who spent the summer of 1703 there, monitoring the progress of the vast construction site next to the Peter and Paul Fortress. The very first imperial residence of the new capital, simply named Maisonnette de Pierre, was this wooden shed, whose construction, entrusted to soldiers on May 16, 1703, took just three days. One thus goes there as if on a pilgrimage in the footsteps of the creator of the city.

This palace designed by the architect Ivan Starov in 1783 was built for one of Catherine II's many lovers, Grigori Potemkin, Prince of Tauride (the name given to the Crimea). It is one of the largest palaces in the city. After Potemkin's death, the palace became state property and was transformed into barracks. Restored at the beginning of the 20th century, it hosted the Duma as well as meetings of the provisional government and the first Council of Soviets. Today, the Palace is the seat of the non-parliamentary Assembly of Independent States. The simplicity of its façades contrasts with the splendour of its adjoining salons, perpendicular to the central façade. A rotunda decorated with mouldings leads to the White Hall. This large reception hall, the first in the history of Russian architecture to have white columns, was to become a model for many palaces and properties of the nobility. In the 18th century, a winter garden, located behind the colonnade of this room, overlooked the park. Some rooms, such as the painting gallery, the Chinese salon or the Gobelins room, have retained their original decor.

The charming garden of Tauride's palace, once adorned with a statue of Venus, was the scene of grandiose celebrations in honour of Catherine II. You can still see an artificial pond, canals with footbridges, hills and exotic plants. We advise you to organize a guided tour of the site via a French-speaking agency.

The story of this place is incredible! It is known as Galata Evi ("Galata House"), a restaurant since 1999, but it was built as a real prison in 1904. The English, occupying the city, transformed the prison into a police station. It is possible to have lunch at the same locations that served as a cell and office. On the menu, dishes from various origins: Russian, Georgian or Tatar. To try for the originality of the place!

The French Passage is a small city created for the use of the French colony of Istanbul, within the framework of the agreements signed with the Ottoman Empire, known as the Capitulations. When the treaty, which was extremely damaging to the Ottoman Empire, ended in 1909, the history of the passage came to an end. Today, it is a magnificent passage very well maintained and flowered which offers pretty Art Deco shops and chic restaurants where you can eat in a European style.

Flanked by two fountains, this is the famous gate (bab) that inspired the Westerners and whose name is sometimes used to designate the Ottoman Empire. It is said to represent the real entrance to the palace of Topkapı. Built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1478, it housed the residence of the Grand Vizier. The Sultan could monitor the comings and goings from the Parade kiosk (Alay Köşkü), a balcony located just across the street in the wall of Topkapı. After the proclamation of the Republic, the governor's residence is established here.

The Göksu River is bordered by wooden houses, gardens that the Ottomans call hasbahçe, they like to go there by boat, in the company of musicians... Its reputation is such that the Westerners call the river "Fresh waters of Asia", which seems difficult to imagine today when you follow this river suffocated by pollution. Divittar Mehmet Paşa decided to have a small two-storey wooden palace built there in 1749 for his Sultan Mahmud I (1730-1754). The fountain in his backyard dates back to that time. Abdülmecid's arrival in power (1839-1861) was the beginning of Westernization but also the era when Istanbul had many palaces, some of whose architects came from the same family, the Balyans. He had the original wooden one replaced by the current marble pavilion that can be seen. Inaugurated in 1857, it was designed as a secondary residence, where the sultan would come to rest or hunt. This is reflected in the architecture: no impassable walls, but a more homely spirit. The decorator of the Vienna Opera will be invited to Istanbul to bring the elegance of Western palaces. On the occasion of his visit to Turkey in 1861, Abdülaziz organized a dinner in honour of King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales. The Republic (1923) also used it for a time for distinguished guests and, like all the other imperial residences in the city, it was transformed into a museum.

The Ihlamur Valley (Valley of the Lime Trees) is a place for walks and excursions in the 18th century. It then became an imperial garden, and continued to be a fashionable destination under Abdülhamid I and Selim III. The acceleration of the construction of new buildings during the time of Sultan Abdülmecid led to the construction of the Ihlamur pavilions. Surrounded by a high surrounding wall and located inside a wooded area, the two kiosks, built between 1849 and 1855, were built by Nikogos Balian, and replaced the small hunting lodge where Sultan Abdülmecid had received Lamartine in July 1850. Designed and used for celebrations, the Ceremonies booth (Merasim Köşkü) is a small rockery style building. With a double external horseshoe staircase and two lateral balconies (the first Ottoman building to have one), the façades are decorated with high reliefs of flowers, garlands, scallops and other motifs. Inside, European furniture of different styles and floor elements have brought a certain balance to the whole. The stewardship kiosk (Maiyet Köşkü) is smaller in size and has a more airy architecture. The Ihlamur pavilions were classified in 1966 in the list of national palaces under the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The Ceremony Pavilion is now a museum palace. The garden part is also occupied by a café.

This amazing Art Nouveau staircase, with its undulating shapes, was built at the end of the 19th century to allow the illustrious banker Camondo to return to his residence. At the bottom of the stairs, there are monumental buildings including the Karaköy Palas built by the architect Giulio Mongeri and the Ottoman Bank of the architect Alexandre Vallauri. As the headquarters had moved, the building was used for archiving and part of it was transformed into a museum.

Nestled in a small courtyard behind the mosque, this book market is located on the very site once occupied by the Chartoprateia, the book market of the Byzantine era: a tradition that has been perpetuated for several centuries! At the dawn of the Ottoman Empire, manuscripts from all over the Empire were unearthed, a real treasure trove. The site is now frequented by students from the neighbouring university, creating a bohemian atmosphere conducive to strolling.

Inaugurated in December 1991, this gigantic bazaar consists of thousands of freight containers bought from Kazakhstan and Russia, stacked and organized around 18 main aisles cutting through five distinct districts. On the ground floor the shop, upstairs the stocks. It is mainly wholesalers who come to Dordoy, a gigantic brewery of goods from China, Turkey or Central Asia, supplying the bazaars of India, Russia and the whole of the former USSR. Costumes, fabrics, leather, carpets, ceramics, traditional clothing and even modern DIY and electronic products: everything can be bought and sold in Dordoy. This tin town has grown steadily over the last 25 years to now house more than 35,000 people. Each district (Turkish, Chinese, Kyrgyz, European...) has its specialities and the quantities sold are such that a bus station and hotels had to be built to accommodate the traders who came from far away. You won't find a lot of handcrafted souvenirs, but take a walk around to taste the unique atmosphere and entertainment! For food and drink, you will find a few vendors selling drinks and snacks at the bazaar's main entrance, around the bus station, or simply in the bazaar's aisles, near the street vendors. For a little more comfort (and a real meal), go near the administration offices in the centre of the bazaar where the Café Lissi is located. Kyrgyz and Uyghur specialties.

One of the city's most mystical buildings is located a stone's throw from the Chernishevskaya metro station. It is called "Yegipetskiy dom", or the "Egyptian House", by the people of St. Petersburg. Built in modern Russian style between 1911 and 1913, it is richly decorated with Masonic and Egyptian signs, symbols of the god Ra, multiple faces of the goddess of love Hathor, as well as two statues of Ra himself who guard the main entrance of the building. Despite its mysterious appearance, the story of the creation of this building is more prosaic. The wife of State Councillor Nezhinsky placed an order for an apartment building with the Polish architect Mikhail Sogailo, with the aim that its aesthetics should be totally unusual and never seen before. Sogailo certainly took this brief to the letter and probably went beyond the expectations of his extremely wealthy and eccentric client. Being deeply versed in mysticism, occultism and Freemasonry, his inclinations for these fields marked his creation with an unexpected impact. Rich in many details, frescoes of Egyptian pastoral and agrarian life, impassive gods, discs covered with hieroglyphs and strange signs, pilasters and columns carved on the facade where the Art Nouveau motifs join those of Ancient Egypt ... The result astonished the whole city. Perfectly preserved since its creation, it continues today to intrigue both locals and passing tourists.

The minaret, built in the late ^10th or early ^11th century, measures almost 20 m and must have been double that when it was built. Its bare-brick decoration is typical of the pre-Mongol era. In the center, the Nasr-ibn Ali mausoleum is the oldest of the three (^11th c.) and houses the first khan of the Karakhanid dynasty. The northern mausoleum (1152-1153) is that of Hassan ibn Hussein ibn Ali. The chiselled terracotta of the southern mausoleum (1187) is the most admirable.

Built in the ^11th century, Burana's minaret was originally 45 m high, reduced to 25 m after an earthquake in the ^15th century. Looted by Russian settlers for lack of bricks, the minaret was in danger of collapsing by the end of the ^19th century, and was hastily restored by the Soviets. Slightly leaning, it is adorned with geometric motifs in relief created by a skilful arrangement of bricks. Several dozen Turkish funerary statues, known as tach balbaldar, are displayed in the field at the foot of the minaret. They date from the 6th^{to the 10th} century.

In front of the curia, there is an arched platform called rostra. This Latin term refers to the spurs of enemy ships that the Romans obtained after each naval victory and proudly hung on the first platform as early as the 3rd century BC. It was here that the Republic's speakers, senators, magistrates and tribunes delivered their great speeches and defended their projects before the assembled people to listen to them. Stop for a moment and imagine Cicero pleading....

Built in 1870, it was designed as a private residence, and Sultan Abdülaziz even had an apartment there. Today, it is emblematic of Istanbul's "alternative life" and hosts many shops mainly for young people. There are thrift stores, some baroque souvenir shops and second-hand clothes. There is the Atlas cinema, the Sadri theatre Alışık Tiyatrosu Küçük Sahne, a tattoo artist and bars.

This vast, cold granite esplanade was built just over 30 years ago to commemorate the ^40th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis. The monument evokes the silhouette of a yurt, housing an eternal flame under four pillars, and contrasts furiously with the architectural style of the neighboring circus, erected in 1976 and very similar in style to that of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The names of the Kyrgyz who died in the Great Patriotic War are engraved in granite on either side of the pillars.

It dominates the entrance to the Black Sea, which is constantly used by large tonnages. A tradition links this 14th century fortress to the Genoese, but it is Byzantine. It was disputed many times and eventually became an Ottoman at the end of the same century, under Yıldırım Beyazıt (1389-1402). With a length of 500 m and a width of 30 m to 60 m, it will be restored and equipped with a small mosque as part of a large programme undertaken by the Sultan Bayazıt II (1481-1512). During his trip to Egypt in the second half of the 16th century, the German traveller Michael Heberer Von Bretten described it in his book as being in very good condition; he took the opportunity to make an engraving. It was not abandoned until the 19th century. Note that you can also go there by several other points than Anadolu Kavağı, all along the coastal road (more deserted) or by the center of Beykoz from where the journey is a little longer and more complicated (1 hour). It is the Umurbey Yolu road that leads to it. To take it, you have to leave Beykoz along the sea: Fevzi Paşa Caddesi, then Ahmet Paşa Caddesi, junction, Yalıköy Çayırı Caddesi (left), well after school take a left (Deri ve Kundura Fabrikası Caddesi, bridge, not very beautiful), it is the Umurbey Yolu, which zigzags to the goal. A saint would rest in the mausoleum. No source proves it, but the believers do not agree with it, so they regularly visit it (huge tomb!).

Built in 1729 just at the entrance of the Topkapı palace, in front of the imperial gate. Public fountains are located at the four corners of the monument and pools are installed in niches placed in the middle of each of its facades. Decorated and enhanced with colours, the fountain is one of the most representative monuments of the Tulip Age; the work of bronze and stone is remarkable for its finesse. Verses by the poet Vehbi appear on the walls in gold letters.

The only Byzantine prison that remains today. Anemas is the name of a Byzantine general of Arab origin. Imprisoned in 1107, after a plot against the Byzantine Emperor Alexis Comnenus (1081-1118), he left his name on one of the towers, the other being called Isaac Angel. Everything suggests that only personalities were kept in the dungeons. It is the emperor's daughter, Anne Comnene, who is said to have helped Anemas escape. The site has been renovated.

This passage was conceived in 1885 by a businessman from Aleppo in Syria. It housed the Pera circus at the rear, a theatre and opera room as well as specialized music stores. Even after numerous alterations and restorations, this theatre still remains (Ferhan Şensoy Tiyatrosu): of modern appearance, it mainly attracts a young clientele. Cinémas and Pera cinemas. By its functions, this passage is very lively, especially in the evening.

The Arch of Septimius Severus (193-211), erected in 203 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Emperor's reign, is one of three triumphal arches still visible in Rome. It currently separates the Curia from the Rostres and is one of the best preserved in the city. Interesting bas-reliefs celebrate the emperor's victories over the Parthians, which Roman soldiers drag in chains. The monument was dedicated to the Emperor and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta. Geta's name was erased when Caracalla had her younger brother murdered in order to rule alone.

Domus Augustana occupied the centre of the system and extended along the edge of the Palatine. The traveller from the East was facing the majestic mass of the palace and could not therefore ignore who was the master of the world. Behind the domus was a basilica, in which the emperor's court was located, and the Flavian palace (Domus Flavia), intended for official receptions. Next to the Domus, to the east, the so-called Domitian Stadium was reserved for the exercises of the emperor and his court; further away are the baths built under Septimius Severus.

The area that extends from the Tiber to the foot of the three hills of the Capitol, the Palatine and the Aventine was occupied in ancient times by the port of Rome and by the food markets (forums): the holitorium forum (vegetables), at the foot of the Capitol, and the boarium forum (cattle) in the south, at the foot of the Aventine. These forums were supplied by ships that, after sailing up the Tiber from Ostia, docked on the bank below the bridge over the river. This bridge, first built in the 2nd century BC, collapsed several times. Today, there are only two arches left in the middle of the river, at the end of the Tiberine Island. It is called the Rotto egg laying (the broken bridge). The markets were under the protection of many deities who had their temple nearby. Today, only two remain and remains of a few others are still visible in the basements of the church of San Nicola in Carcere. The first, the round one, was dedicated to Hercules, while the other, the rectangular one, was dedicated to Portunus, the protector of the port facilities. Both were transformed into churches, but in the early 20th century, the Christian additions were removed and brought back to their ancient appearance. The foro boario and the foro olitorio are of great importance in Roman history and were undoubtedly one of the pillars of the economy of ancient Rome.

Covering an area of more than 18 ha, it is located on a hill overlooking the Bosporus and shelters several century-old trees. It has several terraces that offer superb panoramic views, walking trails and playgrounds for children. The pavilion is on a steep slope. Designed by an Italian architect for the last Khedive of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi Paşa (Abbas II, 1892-1914), who wanted a replica of one of his properties on the banks of the Nile.

Standing just a few metres from the church of Santa Maria di Castello, this beautiful tower, set between other buildings, belonged to the powerful Embriaci family. It is the only tower to have escaped the ordinance of 1296, which imposed a reduction in the height of all buildings in the city: most probably thanks to a favor granted to the Embriaci family for their many loyal services to the Republic. 41 m high, its rusticated surface is covered with exposed stone and its top is crowned with arches.

Named after a Turkish architect, and not our famous singer, this passage was built in 1883 and restored in 1993. It once housed the Café du Commerce. Shortly after the entrance, souvenir shops of all kinds. It extends over two floors. On the left, you can take a staircase to the basement. There is a bar, comic book shops (only in Turkish) and clothing shops. There is also a billiard room and a sports hall.