Hippodrome of Constantinople

The Ancient Chariot Racing Arena Of Constantinople, Now A Park With An Egyptian Obelisk Of Thutmose III, The Serpent Column From Delphi, A Walled Obelisk And The German Fountain. A Quick Open Air Stop Between The Blue Mosque And The Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts · Fatih, Istanbul

The Hippodrome, known in Turkish as At Meydani, or Horse Square, is a long open space between the Blue Mosque and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Sultanahmet. In the early centuries of Constantinople it was a great chariot-racing arena (begun around 203 and enlarged under Constantine) and the main stage of city life, with seats for tens of thousands of spectators (confirm). Little of the stands remain, but the central line of the arena still holds monuments. The Egyptian obelisk of Thutmose III, brought from Karnak and raised on a carved marble base, rises beside the German Fountain, a domed pavilion given by the German emperor in 1901 (confirm). Nearby stand the broken Serpent Column from Delphi and a rough walled obelisk of stone blocks. The square is free, open at all hours and lies on the walking route between the main sights. Hawkers work its edges, so keep a calm, polite pace.

The Hippodrome (At Meydani), a long public square between the Blue Mosque and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Sultanahmet, Istanbul; coordinates approximate, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkiye

The square is a public space and is open at all hours, though the park paths are best used in daylight and in the evening when lamps are lit. The monuments are fenced or low-walled and can be viewed freely. Nearby museums, cafes and the fountain area keep their own hours. Confirm the hours of any museum you plan to enter and check for events or works that may close part of the square.

Hippodrome of Constantinople on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos