Walls of Constantinople
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Walls of Constantinople - in the Public Domain
Description
The Walls of Constantinople protected the city of Constantinople since the 4th century when it became the new capital of the Roman Empire under Constantine the Great. Those were further expanded with the addition of an extra line further out in the 5th century under Theodesius II (the Theodesian Walls) with nearly 100 towers up to 15-20m in height and a moat up to 20m wide and 10m deep. The walls were key in protecting the city until it fell to Ottoman forces in 1453 (after a 2-month siege). They were only partially preserved as the city outgrew this medieval boundary but some restoration work has been underway since the 1980s.
Access & Transport
The 10 Yil street essentially follows the Theodosian walls - best accessed with tram T4 line (Topkapi, Fehtikapi, Vatan) and Ulubati metro station (M1). The Sea Wall can be seen on the southern shore of the Fatih district, metro station Yenikapi (M1, M2, Marmaray) and the Marble Tower is at the southern end of 10 Yil Cd., near Kazlıçeşme station on the Marmaray commuter train line.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest doing a little research and decide which section you would like to visit as there are several fortifications scattered. Hiring the service of a guide may be helpful Once the Chora Church reopens, that is where we would suggest visiting so you can cover both at the same time.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritages.
Conclusion
The Walls of Constantinople are an integral part of the city's long survival as the capital of the (Eastern) Roman Empire and an excellent non-religious addition to the city's (long) list of monuments. There are plenty of sections left scattered in the Fatih district and along the Bosphorus, so it isn't too difficult to slot in a multi-day itinerary of Istanbul.
Key positive
No crowds
No entrance fees
Key negative
-
Suitability
No restrictions but visitors with reduced mobility may not be able to follow most sections of the wall
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo