St. Peter’s Basilica: A Cathedral of Art

8 July 202522 June 2025

A group of school children, dressed in navy uniforms, skipped ahead of us along the walkway which connects the Vatican Museum to St. Peter’s Basilica. Still in awe at the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, I made my way towards the cathedral known for its architecture and artwork of famous Renaissance artists. While waiting at the entrance, I thought about how I had waited so many years to visit Rome and wondered if these youngsters had any idea how lucky they were for the opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Basilica at such a young age.

The Vatican City resides in the city of Rome, its own country with a post office, helipad and even its own currency with a portrait of the pope. It is the capital of over 1 billion Roman Catholics with the pope its ruler.

Shuttled along with fellow tourists towards the entrance, I noticed The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Cathedral to my far right. Traditionally, the door is only open every twenty five years during the Holy Year, and on special occasions as designated by the pope. Dating back to 1450, the bronze from the original Old Peter’s church was melted down to create the sixteen scenes which feature Jesus, Paul and Peter and shows how each was martyred (the bottom panels).

Once inside the cathedral, I noticed the ornate stucco ceiling of the portico with the coat of arms of Pope Paul V. The basilica was completed during the Pope’s reign in the 1600s. Columns, arched walkways and small windows allowed the day’s light to gracefully creep in. The beautiful rays of sunlight produced a majestic golden hue that reflected off of the marble interior creating a stunning effect.

While Michelangelo is credited for the cathedral’s architecture, Bernini was its interior designer. He created the bronze canopy, the apse, the balconies, various statues (including the statue of St. Longinus) and the marble flooring.

Approaching the Nave, my eyes followed the coppered ceiling, watching the stream of light subtly appear through the windows. Detailed hallways and arches at each side are displayed with magnificent carvings. The Nave was coming into view and the dome appeared above the altar canopy. At the base of the dome are four medallions representing the saints who wrote the Four Gospels of the Bible.

Beneath the dome is the Main Altar, where only the pope recites Mass. When he is in the Vatican City, it is here where he conducts the Sunday morning mass.

The center of the Basilica is known as the Crossing and it is where the Papal Altar sits over the location of St. Peter’s tomb. Located above the tomb is the famous Dome of Michelangelo. Around the opening at the top is an inscription “To the Glory of St. Peter, Sixtus V, 1590, the fifth year of his reign.”

Looking past the elaborate altar canopy called the Baldacchino, my eyes are immediately drawn to the altar where there are two cherubs. These cherubs, holding the papal tiara and St. Peter’s keys, symbolize the authority of the Roman pontiff and seem to capture the glory of the sun.

Designed by Bernini the canopy covers the Papal Altar as well as the Tomb of St. Peter. The bronze structure was created using materials from Rome’s Pantheon and was completed in 1633. In the background, past the Baldacchino, is the Altar of the Chair, which contains the relics of a chair from which St. Peter preached. Located above the papal tiara is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, an alabaster dove that seems to illuminate as the outer light shines through.

The Confessio Petri, or Tomb of St. Peter can be accessed through the banister in front of the altar and taking the stairs below. I took an excursion to see the place where St. Peter was buried and waited for our tour guide to arrive. Once we descended 23 feet below the marble floor, we reached the entrance at the bottom, where we were instructed that this was a high security area and no photos were permitted.

Of course, the most important question on everyone’s mind was, “Are these really the bones of St. Peter?” Our guide explained that the tomb of Peter had been sealed since Old St. Peter’s Church was built in 326AD. In 1940, the tomb was opened and an inscription was found on a nearby wall claiming that “Peter is here.” Archaeologists removed the bones that were wrapped in cloth and tested them to determine their age. They confirmed that they were indeed the bones dating back to the first century and are believed to be those of St. Peter, the first bishop of the Catholic church.

On the day of a pope’s funeral, thousands gather in St. Peter’s Cathedral to pay their respects, and later his coffin is carried out to the square where the eulogy is conducted. While there are several popes that have been laid to rest below the basilica, there are several shrines throughout the cathedral where the bodies of previous popes can be viewed.

The beauty of St. Peter’s continued throughout the basilica as I discovered additional treasures from some of the greatest artists of all time. While the white columns on the portico date back to the fourth century when the first church was built, many of the stones used to construct the cathedral were removed from the court houses of ancient Rome. Cupolas, statues of popes, marble floors and popes interred add to the mystery of the basilica’s possessions.

Nothing compares to the crown jewel of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome of Michelangelo. The largest dome in the world reaches 448 feet from the floor to the top. Sixteen slender curved panels display painted images of angels and saints while Jesus and Mary can be seen above the circular set of windows.

The Latin inscription at the base of the dome comes from the Biblical passage in Matthew 16:18 which says, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven”.

The apse is located beneath the dome where a golden dove represents the Holy Spirit, glowing as the sun shines through the glass. The Throne of Peter, located below the glow of the dove, made of oak was bronzed by Bernini as a symbol of St. Peter’s authority.

Not only was St. Peter buried within the walls of St. Peter’s Cathedral, this is also the site of his crucifixion. To the left of the apse, across from the main altar is a painting which, according to tradition) represents St. Peters’ crucifixion. While Peter was preaching in Rome, he gained the attention of the current reigning emperor Nero, who hated Christians. Nero imprisoned Peter and made a spectacle of his death. It is said that Peter refused to be crucified in the manner of Christ and insisted that he should be nailed to the cross upside down.

Raphael’s famous painting of The Transfiguration is around the corner telling the story of Jesus’ ascension into heaven after having been crucified, buried and then rising from the dead. The Renaissance artist’s oil is located above one of the altars on the other side of the statue of St. Andrew. The magnificent layers of blue in the sky welcome Jesus as he rises from the Earth to his eternal home in heaven and it is exactly how I had imagined it.

There is a crowd surrounding the Pieta as I arrived and I decided to visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II who is close by. My grandparents were Catholic, so I remembered how much they respected him and were proud that he was Polish. I also remember when he survived an assassination attempt in 1981 and the extensive media coverage during his death in 2005. And since I happened to be visiting the weekend of his canonization, it only seemed appropriate that I pay my respects.

St. John Paul II was laid to rest below the painting of St. Sebastian who was able to escape the assassination attempts on his life by the Romans. It is said that Sebastian was John Paul’s favorite saint.

I finally reach Michelangelo’s Pieta (pity), housed behind bulletproof glass, and gazing upon its rich detail, it is clear to see the sculptor’s influence on the artistic community of the Renaissance Era. This statue of Mary shows her holding Jesus after he was taken from the cross. Considered the most famous of all of Michelangelo’s works, he completed it at the age of 24. The soft edges, deep folds and expression on Mary’s face graciously exemplify the perfection in his work.

St. Peter’s Cathedral showcases the beautiful artistic treasures of Renaissance art. It displays the wealth and importance of the Catholic Church with its billions of followers. From the first Pope, St. Peter to St. Francis today, Catholicism remains a key spiritual denomination to many believers in Jesus Christ over many years.

Have you experienced the beauty of St. Peter’s Cathedral? What did you admire the most? I would love to hear about your visit and would be happy if you would include any additional information or suggestions regarding a visit to St. Peter’s in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Purchase a Ticket for the Hop On/Hop Off Bus

St. Peter’s Basilica
Piazza San Pietro
00120 Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6988 3731

Admission Fee: Free admission with an additional charge to visit the dome. Dome fees: elevator to the terrace level and climb up the 320 steps for 10 Euros or climb up the 551 steps for 8 Euros.
Buses/Trains Info: Buses 40, 44, 84, 780 and 810; Metro station: Colosseo: Line B
Hours: Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM from October 1 to March 31 and daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM from April 1^st to September 30.
Amenities: Audioguides and Radioguides are available.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides: Audioguides are provided in Italian, German, Polish, Spanish, French and English, while Radioguides are also available.
Scenic View: Spectacular view from St. Peter’s dome
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Dress appropriately ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered (i.e., no tank tops and wear long shorts or capri pants). Remain as quiet as possible.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Rome Central Park
Via Giuseppe Mosacti 7
Rome 01168 Italy
Telephone: +39 06 355741

Where to Eat:

Pastasciutta
Via delle Grazie 5
00193, Rome Italy
Telephone: +39 333 650 3758

The first day I tried this restaurant, I ordered the Pappardelle alla Carbonara. I had been waiting for the opportunity to try this Italian dish and fell in love!

My second day of visiting, I tried the Pappardelle ai funghi (mushrooms). Excellent for the price!

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain

White Marble Saints

The Ceiling of St. Peter’s Basilica

A Circular Roundel in St. Peter’s Basilica

Revealing the Treasures and History of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

18 February 202529 June 2025

It was a magical moment when I approached the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as the bells began to toll. Looking up towards the tall spires of the French Gothic cathedral, I admired its gorgeous facade. The statues and decorations reveal an incredible story of history that fascinated me. It is no surprise that the Cathedrale of Notre Dame is one of the most renowned of all Catholic churches in France.

Notre Dame is dedicated to “Our Lady”, the Virgin Mary and Mother of Christ who, according to Catholicism, intercedes on behalf of those who pray to her. A statue in the center of the portico depicts Mary presenting the Son of God to the city of Paris, while a pair of angels looked on.

My eyes were drawn to the simple circular window that dates back to 1225 AD. Each stained glass pane tells the story of the Zodiac and the “Labours of the Months” which were traditionally linked together artistically. The Labours were common in Medieval and Renaissance artwork that symbolized rural activities that are associated with each month of the year.

As I approached the cathedral, I could not help but notice the three arched entrances with multiple statues and figures. The Portal of the Last Judgment in the center is the largest and most ornate. The far right entry is the Portal of St. Anne and to the left, the Portal of the Virgin. Exploring the many stories and Biblical depictions, I began my exploration of the cathedral with the tale of St. Denis.

St. Denis is credited with bringing Christianity to the ancient town of Parisii, a Roman settlement who worshipped demi-gods. His mission to convert the pagans enraged the Roman priests and Denis was beheaded. Ancient tradition claims that Denis stood up and with this head tucked under his arm, began walking north towards Montmartre where he would determine his final resting place at the Mount of Martyrs. This miraculous story increased the number of Christians in Paris and the pagan temple was soon replaced by a church.

Judgment of the world was a common theme among artists during the Renaissance and the Notre Dame has its own story to tell. Above the doorway of the central portal, Jesus is shown on his Judgment Throne seated above an angel and demon weighing the souls of man. While man’s fate hangs in the balance a deceitful demon cheats the scales by adding more weight in hopes to win more souls to the dark side. The souls of the faithful are lined up on the left as the souls of the condemned are chained and led away to their demise. While some of the wicked are blindfolded or carried off unwillingly, one man’s doom comes in the form of a flaming cauldron as he dives in headfirst.

Above the arch yet below the statue of Mary is a row of 28 statues representing the Kings of Judah. During the time of the French Revolution, the locals mistook these effigies as the much despised kings of France and decided to remove their heads. A local schoolteacher collected the heads and disposed of them by burying them in his backyard. For years they remained underground until 1977 when they were discovered and exhumed. The originals are now on display at nearby Cluny Museum, while the current statues have been restored.

Having studied the façade of Notre Dame, I continued towards the right doorway and reached the entrance into the church.

The cathedral is magnificent with its long central nave measuring 426 feet long leads to the altar.

The beautifully carved columns on each side reach up to ten stories high while the walls are decorated with paintings, sculptures and a row of stained glass windows above the columns. The arches above look as though they are praying hands while the stained glass windows burst with color as the outside light seeps in. The minimal light brings forth a cavernous atmosphere of the church as David and I begin our walk towards the altar.

The architecture is truly Gothic known for its simple columns, stone buttresses, stained glass windows and ingenious arches which crisscross to support the roof. Built in the typical floor plan of a basilica, it resembles a cross, where a crossbeam intersects at the location of the altar. The ominous size of the cathedral, measuring 157 feet wide can seat up to 10,000 worshipers at a given time. Towards the back are several chapels to explore.

The altar is where the priest conducts Mass and where the sacraments of the Communion are blessed. Just behind this sacred table is the beautiful Pieta, carved in the 17^th century. The two cherubs that flank each side of the sculpture represent the kings Louis XIII and his son, the Sun King, Louis XIV.

Located in the right transept of the cathedral, the statue of Joan of Arc memorializes the young teenage warrior who led her country to protect the city of Paris from the English. Her allies would later turn against her after hearing her claims that she heard heavenly voices, condemning her to burn at the stake. Opposite the statue is the only rose window with its original medieval glass.

Located on the back side of the choir walls are beautifully carved scenes from the resurrection of Jesus. Ahead on the right is the Cathedral Treasure which contains a reliquary housing some of the most important artifacts to include the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the Holy Cross and one of the Holy Nails from the crucifixion of Christ.

I enjoyed exploring the interior of Notre Dame couldn’t wait to reach the top of the stairs for scenic views of Paris. Standing in line for close to 20 minutes, I purchased my ticket and made the trek to the top. Surrounded by the famous gargoyles, the panorama could not have been more spectacular, with views of the Seine, surrounding neighborhoods of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

This ancient cathedral, with its 200 foot tall bell towers, ornate façade filled with interesting stories, extravagant rose windows and famous gargoyles, there is no doubt why the cathedral of “Our Lady” is France’s most famous church.

Have you visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris? What part of the tour was most memorable for you? I would love to hear about your experience or answer any of your questions if you would kindly leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cathedrale de Notre Dame
Place du Parvies de Notre-Dame
75004, Paris, France
Telephone: Cathedral – 01 55 42 50 10; Tower – 01 53 10 07 00; Crypt – 01 55 42 50 10

Admission Fee: The cathedral is free. The treasury is 3 Euros and a view from the towers is 8.5 Euros. A visit to the crypt is 6 Euros.
Transportation: Nearest Underground Train Station: Cite, Saint-Michel; Nearest Bus/Tram Route: 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96
Hours: Cathedral Mon – Fri 8 – 6:45, Sat – Sun 8 – 7:15; closed some religious feast days; Treasure Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6, Sat 9:30 – 6:30; Sun 1:30 – 6:30. Tower: April – September daily 10 – 6:30 (Jul – Aug Sat – Sun 10 am – 11pm; October – March daily 10 – 5:30. Archaeological Crypt: Tues – Sun 10 – 6
Amenities: Additional Information; Guided tours (free, times vary) audioguide (moderate)
Scenic View: A climb to the top of the tower provides extravagant views of Paris, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Length of Visit: 2.5 hours to include the cathedral, a trip to the towers and exploring the facade of Notre Dame.
Tips for Your Visit: Be prepared to stand in a long line for a trip to the towers through the left entrance. There may be a line to enter the cathedral, but in most instances, the line moves quickly.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: 33 1 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Au Bougnat
26 Rue Chanoinesse
75004 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 43 54 50 74

David and I wanted to share a couple of starters, so we were determined to try duck while in France, We absolutely loved the terrine with pistachios, foie gras and served with a compote of red onion. The flavors were earthy and sweet while the pistachios gave the dish an added crunch. The creamy Veloute mushroom soup and the Burgundy snails were loaded with robust flavors of garlic. Seasoned with Parmesan shavings, the risotto was perfectly executed served with green asparagus.

What to Eat:

Beef Borgonion is France’s equivalent to a beef stew but better!
Fresh Bread from the Boulangerie
Cheese
Chocolate Croissants
Coq au Vin is an extraordinary French chicken stew
Creme Brulee is an egg custard that has been torched on the top to create a crisp layer
Crepes are an egg based wrap filled sweet or savory fillings
Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame are croissants filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese or ham.
Duck which is listed as canard on the French menu
Escargot
French Onion Soup
Frites are France’s fancy French fries
Frog Legs
Frois Gras is a duck pate
Macarons are deliciously light airy pastries made from sugar and almond flour
Meringues
Profiteroles are cream puffs

What to Read:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo
The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo
The Life Before Us, by Romain Gary
All the Light we cannot see, by Anthony Doerr
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Photo Guide for Paris:

Avenue des Champs Elysses for street scenes and upscale restaurants and hotels
Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for gorgeous architecture
Jardin du Luxembourg for nature
The Louvre for art and architecture
Montemartre for the art scene and architecture
Notre Dame Cathedral for amazing views
Paris Bird and Flower Market for interesting people watching
Paris Metro for street scenes
Sacre Coeur for sunsets and panoramic views
Saint Michel and the Latin Quarter for street scenes

The Rose Window on the South Side of the Cathedral

Seeking Holy Wisdom in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

27 March 202325 May 2025

My first visit to Istanbul was on a summer girl’s trip. Our plans were to start out in Istanbul, Turkey, explore the beautiful coast and sail to a few of the nearby Greek islands. With only a couple of days in the capitol city, I was disappointed that we had such little time to visit more of Istanbul’s historical sites. I remember how fascinated I was to see the mosques, the Hippodrome and the Bosporus River all the while watching the city celebrate the Ramadan holiday.

A couple of years later, I returned to Istanbul on a Footsteps of Paul cruise and I was thrilled to be back for two full days in the city. Happy to visit the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market, our first stop was the Hagia Sophia.

The Hagia Sophia (eye-ah soh-fee-yah) has been described as one of the greatest sites of worship for both Christians and Muslims. Initially built by Emperor Constantine in 537AD as a Christian church, the site was later converted into a mosque when Islam became the country’s central religion. I imagine all of the thousands of Christians arriving to the Hagia Sophia to worship in such a beautiful place. Considered one of Istanbul’s most impressive attractions, nearly three and a half million guests visit this historical site which is now an educational museum.

Upon entering, all guests are required to remove their shoes and the women must cover their hair. We approached the Hagia Sophia through the vestibule on the western side where we were then led into the open expanse of the former church. The central bronze doors were brought to the site from an ancient temple in Antioch. Known as the Emperor’s entrance on special occasions, the spectacular mosaics decorated the transom dating over 1500 years to the time of Justinian.

Measuring nearly 250 feet long, 230 feet wide and towering 90 feet high, this space is exceptionally large. Its architecture is influenced by both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. An outer narthex leads into the inner narthex (a porch area of the church) and finally reaches the nave in the center, where the congregation would have met.

The half domes display colorful mosaics of Mary holding the infant Jesus which were later concealed when the church became a mosque. Once the facility became a museum, the images were discovered during a restoration project and ongoing renovations continue to uncover extraordinary artwork.

The impressive dome is held up by its walls and arches that strategically distribute the weight of the dome to create a pendentive. Reaching a height of 185 feet and measuring 100 feet across in diameter, there are 40 ribs made from bricks of clay imported from the Greek island of Rhodes.

When the Hagia Sophia was built, it was constructed with the finest materials that were imported from all over the ancient world. The large green column was removed from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus as a spoil of conquest (spolia). The two alabaster urns are from the Hellenistic Era of Pergamon and the purple columns behind each urn are older than the Hagia Sophia itself.

The panel on the walls and the inlay on the floor are a collection of purple porphery from Egypt, green stone from Thessaly, black stone from the Bosporus, yellow stone from Syria, white stone from Cappadoccia and golden stone from Libya. The green marble circle, called the Omphalion, was the spot where the emperors were crowned.

Within the Hagia Sophia are a few Muslim elements that remain on display. The mirhab, known as the prayer niche, oriented the Muslim’s direction so that he could position himself to pray towards Mecca.

The Mimbar (meem-behr) is the raised pulpit in a mosque where the imam would stand halfway up the stairs to deliver his sermon.

The upper galleries with their arched open spaces are accessible by a ramp near the Narthax. This second level was designated for women who came to the mosque to worship and we learned from our guide that there are beautiful mosaics on display.

When the church became a mosque, many of the mosaics and frescoes depicting people were covered as required by the Islam religion. While the building was undergoing restoration, seraphims in the upper corners were recently unveiled. It was estimated that they had been painted in the 14^th century AD.

There are a total of eight medallions suspended from the arches overheard. The Arabic writing documents the names of leading Muslim figures, as images of people were forbidden to be displayed in a mosque.

As I exited the Hagia Sophia, I noticed the reflection of the Donation Mosaic in the mirror above. The mosaic is on the opposite side of the wall where Mary is holding Jesus in her lap. Jesus makes the sign of the trinity with his three fingers of his right hand and holds the Gospels of the Bible in his right hand. Two men stand beside the Virgin Mary and Jesus, with arms outstretched offering them gifts. On the right is Constantine presenting them a model of the city of Constantinople and on the left is Justinian gifting them the Hagia Sophia, Our guide pointed out that the Hagia Sophia was painted as it would have looked when it was a church without the minorets and a cross at the top of its dome. This 11^th century mosaic dates back to the reign of Basil II, an emperor of the Byzantine Empire.

What amazed me about the Hagia Sophia was seeing the combination of Christianity and Islam in one location. I was also intrigued by the recent findings and the uncovering of Christian artwork that had been hidden for so many years. Researchers are optimistic that they may find more of these extraordinary treasures and It will be interesting to learn what they will discover.

What was your experience like at the Hagia Sophia? What were some of the aspects of the museum that interested you? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Hagia Sophia
Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi
Ayasofya Meydani
34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 17 50

Admission Fee: 60 Turkish Lira
Hours: The museum is open April 15 – October 31 from 9AM to 7PM, with the last entry at 6PM; November 1 – April 15 from 9AM to 5PM, with the last entry at 4PM. They are closed on Mondays. Last tickets are sold an hour before closing.
Amenities: Audio guide (30 TL) can be accessed at the museum’s entrance provided in the following languages: Turkish, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Persian, Greek, Russian and Korean
Scenic View: Splendid views of the museum from the upstairs gallery
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet District across from the Blue Mosque. Arrive early in the day as crowds to purchase tickets can be long. Dress appropriately as you may be turned away for not covering your knees and shoulders. In addition, there are several ways to purchase tickets ahead of time, which will allow you to skip the ticket queue. According to tradition, if you “turn your thumb” in the historical pillar, all of your wishes will be granted. Gil is the name of the resident cat who lives within the museum. Private tours can also be purchased at the door. Don’t forget to visit the upstairs gallery for additional displays.

Where to Stay:

Fer Hotel
Mollafenari Mahallesi
Turbedar Sk. No. 12
34120 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 50 80

Where to Eat:

Cozy Pub & Restaurant
Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 520 09 90

We loved sitting in the alleyway at red and white checked clothed tables. We ordered Efes beer and appetizers which included hummus, tzatziki sauce, pita bread and spring rolls. Ask your server to let you go up the small elevator for an amazing view of the Blue Mosque!

What to Eat:

Baklava: made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle. The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
Iskender Kebab: thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
Tarihi Osmanli Macunu (Traditional Ottoman Candy): Made of five different flavors of thick taffy spiraled deftly around a stick and then sprinkled with fresh lemon juice, creating a delicious and savory lollipop.
Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
Turkish Delight: a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt. A must try.
Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh. Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
Turkish Ravioli: dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read:

Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul:

Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
The Grand Bazaar
Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus
The Baths of Miletus

A Seraphim that was uncovered in 2010

The Dome, the Seraphim, the Medallions and the Scaffolding

Young Life’s Saranac Village in Upstate New York

12 February 201531 August 2024

My brother, Mike Ambuske, has been involved with the Young Life organization for over 20 years. He is currently serving with this amazing association as Young Life’s Area Director for North Butler County, Pennsylvania. During the time of our family visit to Saranac Lake, he was working out of Argyle, NY. That summer, he was preparing to bring a group of teens for a week long spiritual journey to learn more about Jesus in hopes that they would give their lives to serving Christ. He wanted to bring us to Saranac Lake to show us where he would be traveling and to share with us some amazing opportunities to get involved with the Young Life organization. Please see below for a way to support Young Life Butler or your local Young Life leadership.