Like opening the lid of a grand sarcophagus, layers of history reveal themselves here. Nestled at the entrance of Gülhane Park in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Fatih district, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a must-visit for history lovers.

The complex consists of three main sections: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. From Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Greece and Rome, the museum holds hundreds of thousands of artifacts from civilizations that shaped human history.

Founded in 1891 by Osman Hamdi Bey, this was the first official museum of the Republic. Among its most iconic pieces is the Alexander Sarcophagus, a monumental tomb with stunning reliefs that captivate visitors. You’ll also encounter treasures like Babylonian lion reliefs, Mesopotamian inscriptions, classical sculptures, and dazzling Ottoman tiles.

Head to the Museum of the Ancient Orient to see the Treaty of Kadesh, the world’s oldest known peace treaty carved in stone. After your visit, take a peaceful walk in nearby Gülhane Park to reflect on the journey through history.

Important Ticket Info via Viofun:
Tickets purchased through Viofun are valid only for the selected date and cannot be used on a different day. Your QR code will be sent within 12 hours after your order is confirmed.
This ticket is only valid for international visitors. Turkish citizens are kindly advised to obtain a MüzeKart instead.