Discover Istanbul’s legendary stories through an immersive combination of live music, aerial acrobatics and holographic illusions.
Candle & Ghost: Illusion & Acrobatics Symphony brings some of the city’s most iconic legends to the stage in a unique 60-minute performance. Surrounded by a candlelit atmosphere, enjoy live qanun and violin music while aerial performances and holographic projections recreate stories inspired by the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
An atmospheric evening experience combining Istanbul’s history, music and contemporary stage performance in the heart of the Old City.
By Tram:
Take the T1 tram and get off at Sultanahmet Station. From there, walk along Alemdar Street for approximately 3–5 minutes toward the Basilica Cistern. Legends of Istanbul is located right next to the Basilica Cistern.
By Metro:
Take the M2 metro line to Vezneciler Station. From there, you can walk approximately 15–20 minutes toward Sultanahmet or transfer to the T1 tram at Laleli-Üniversite and get off at Sultanahmet Station.
By Bus:
Take a bus heading toward Eminönü or the Sultanahmet area. From Eminönü, you can transfer to the T1 tram and get off at Sultanahmet Station, then walk a few minutes to the venue.
By Ferry:
If you are coming from the Asian side, take a ferry to Eminönü. From Eminönü, take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet Station. The venue is approximately a 3–5 minute walk from the station.
On Foot:
If you are already in the Sultanahmet area, the venue is within easy walking distance of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. It is located on Alemdar Street, right next to the Basilica Cistern.
Address:
Alemdar Cad. No:5, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Candle & Ghost: Illusion & Acrobatics Symphony Show is a 60-minute theatrical experience inspired by some of Istanbul’s most famous stories and landmarks. Set in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere, the performance combines live qanun and violin music with aerial acrobatics and holographic projections to create a distinctive journey through different periods of the city’s past.
Throughout the show, familiar Istanbul stories are reimagined on stage through music, movement and visual storytelling. The journey begins with a scene inspired by Medusa and the mysterious depths of the Basilica Cistern, before moving into the world of Topkapi Palace and Hürrem Sultan. The performance then turns to Mimar Sinan and the architectural legacy of Suleymaniye Mosque, before reaching its finale with a scene inspired by Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine era.
One of the main elements that makes the experience stand out is the combination of traditional live music and contemporary stage technology. A live qanun player and violinist provide the musical backdrop while an aerial acrobat performs above the stage, accompanied by holographic ghost-screen projections. Together, these elements turn Istanbul’s historical stories into a performance that feels part concert, part theatre and part visual spectacle.
The performance takes place in a boutique setting limited to approximately 250 guests per session, helping create a more intimate atmosphere between the audience and the stage. Rather than presenting Istanbul’s history as a conventional guided experience, Candle & Ghost focuses on emotion, atmosphere and visual storytelling, making it an alternative evening activity for visitors who want to experience the city from a different perspective.
The entire show lasts approximately 60 minutes and runs without an intermission. From the candlelit setting to the live melodies and aerial performances, each section is designed to flow into the next as one continuous experience.
Whether you are interested in Istanbul’s history, live music, performing arts or simply looking for a memorable evening experience in Sultanahmet, Candle & Ghost offers a creative way to discover some of the city’s most recognizable legends in a completely different format.
The show lasts approximately 60 minutes and runs without an intermission.
Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
The performance includes live music, aerial acrobatics, lighting effects and holographic projections.
Late entry may be restricted depending on the venue’s policy.
Seating is arranged by the venue and is subject to availability.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the performance area.
Performance dates and times may change according to the organizer’s schedule.
The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes and runs continuously without an intermission.
It combines live qanun and violin music with aerial acrobatics, theatrical storytelling and holographic visual effects.
The performance features scenes inspired by Medusa and the Basilica Cistern, Hürrem Sultan and Topkapi Palace, Mimar Sinan and Suleymaniye Mosque, and Hagia Sophia during the Byzantine era.
The performance takes place at Legends of Istanbul in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul's Old City.
We recommend arriving at least 15–30 minutes before the scheduled starting time.
No. The 60-minute performance runs continuously without an intermission.
The show includes loud music, lighting effects and theatrical visual effects. The organizer recommends it primarily for guests aged 12 and above.
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