Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome of Constantinople)
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Sultanahmet Square - by Karolina on Google
Description
Sultanahmet Square, or the Hippodrome of Constantinople, is at the centre of Istanbul's most visited historical district. It was built in the early 3rd century to host a circus for horse and chariot racing when the city was still called Byzantium and then renovated a century later under Emperor Constantine the Great. It is estimated to have been 450m long and 130m wide with stands capable of holding 100,000 spectators. The hippodrome was filled with statues of gods, emperors, animals, and heroes, most of which were looted during the fourth crusade in 1204. Monuments still standing today include the 10th century Walled Obelisk, the Obelisk of Thutmose III brought from Egypt by Emperor Theodosius the Great, the Serpent Column and the octogonal domed German Fountain.
Access & Transport
The square is located next to the Blue Mosque, 150m away from Sultanahmet tram station (T1).
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend coming / staying here in the evenings to enjoy a dramatic lighting of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The call to prayers there is loud but also very atmospheric.
Environmental & Social
No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural heritage
Conclusion
We don't think we need to say much or even recommend Sultanahmet Square because any traveller is pretty much bound to pass through to visit the surrounding mosques. However, it is worth learning about its background history as a racecourse.
Key positive
Incredible views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
Central location
Key negative
The snack and souvenir hawkers
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 35m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo