Palace of the Porphyrogenitus

The Palace of the Porphyrogenitus wears a facade of red brick and white stone arranged in rhythmic geometric patterns. This three-story structure is the only surviving civilian building from the Byzantine era in Istanbul. Once connected to the Blachernae Palace complex, it served as a residence for imperial family members overlooking the Theodosian Walls. During the final siege of Constantinople in fourteen fifty-three, the building stood near the spot where the Ottoman forces finally breached the heavy fortifications of the city.