Hippodrome (At Meydani)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Ruin - Ancient
Sultan Ahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydani or At Meydani)now covers the former site of the Hippodrome and largely follows its ground plan and dimensions. Pavement marks the course of the old race track and several interesting monuments remain as well. You can’t miss the towering Obelisk of Theodosius, the oldest monument in all of Istanbul. Made of pink granite, it was originally erected at the Amun Re temple at Karnak in Egypt, but was brought to Istanbul by the Emperor Theodosius in the fourth century. South of the Obelisk, you will find a spiral column that once formed part of a golden basin brought to the city by Constantine the Great from the temple of Apollo in Delphi. You can also see what is known as the Walled Obelisk – the stone core of a 10th century obelisk that was once covered with bronze plaques. At the base of the obelisks and column, you can see where the original ground level of the Hippodrome once stood, about 2.5 meters below ground.
Near the northern entrance to the square, you will find the Kaiser Wilhelm’s Fountain, a stone gazebo with a mosaic-tiled dome that was a gift from the Kaiser in 1901.
Latest Reviews
Review by Matthew H, May 2013
Doing what: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
Our tour guide was very knowledgable and informative. The tour itself is pretty full on, but well worth it as you get some excellent insight into Istanbul. Highly recommend it! :)
Review by Vee, May 2013
Doing what: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
Super tour and introduction to the most famous sites in Istanbul, plus the guide and driver were helpful and adaptable in maneuvering around some of Istanbul's worst traffic. The tour group in the van was diverse in countries represented and a good time was had by all through the day and over the delicious Turkish meal at lunch time. The guide gave us options throughout the day so that people could go through some sites with him, have some time on their own, and meet together to journey to the next destination.
Review by Fauzi Adnan, May 2013
Doing what: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
Our guide was fantastic. He can be considered a walking historian. The best thing is we skip the line when we visited the underground cistern ( or else we had to wait at least 1 hour due to the queque). Enough time to venture at all places and most importantly, they were punctual when they pick us up at the hotel.
