Great Palace Mosaics Museum

Lonely Planet review

When archaeologists from the University of Ankara and the University of St Andrews (Scotland) dug at the back of the Blue Mosque in the 1950s, they uncovered a stunning mosaic pavement dating from early Byzantine times. Restored from 1983 to 1997, it is now preserved in this museum. Thought to have been added by Justinian to the Great Byzantine Palace , the pavement is estimated to have measured from 3500 to 4000 sq metres in its original form.

The 250 sq metres that is preserved here is the largest discovered remnant - the rest has been destroyed or remains buried underneath the Blue Mosque and surrounding shops and hotels.

The pavement is filled with bucolic imagery as well as intricate hunting and mythological scenes. Note the gorgeous ribbon border with heart-shaped leaves surrounding the mosaic. In the westernmost room is the most colourful and dramatic picture, that of two men in leggings carrying spears and holding off a raging tiger. Also here is an amusing depiction of a donkey kicking its load and rider off its back.

The museum has informative panels documenting the floor's rescue and renovation.