İstanbul
The Süleymaniye Mosque stands on the Third Hill of Istanbul's historic peninsula, in the Fatih district. Mimar Sinan built it for Sultan Suleiman I. Its inscription gives 1550 as the foundation date and 1557 as the opening. It is part of the UNESCO site Historic Areas of Istanbul.
The main dome is about 53 m high. Four minarets carry ten balconies in total. A marble-paved courtyard with an arcade of 28 small domes lies in front of the prayer hall. Behind the mosque are the octagonal tombs of Suleiman and Hürrem Sultan. Madrasas, a former hospital, a public kitchen and a bath complete the complex. Sinan's own tomb stands just outside its north corner.
The nearest stops are Vezneciler on the M2 metro and Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı on the T1 tram; both mean an uphill walk. The mosque closes to visitors around each prayer. Shoes come off at the door, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women cover their hair.