The Serpent Column
The Serpent Column is one of the oldest surviving monuments in Sultanahmet Square. Originally created in ancient Greece, it was later brought to Constantinople and placed in the Hippodrome.
VIP4GO ISTANBUL HISTORY GUIDE
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Discover the Hippodrome of Constantinople in Istanbul — the historic heart of Byzantine public life, famous for chariot races, imperial ceremonies and ancient monuments.
4th Century
Constantine's Expansion
Byzantine
Historic Heritage
Sultanahmet
Historic Location
Chariot Racing
Ancient Tradition
HIPPODROME OF CONSTANTINOPLE
The Heart
The Heart
of Ancient
Constantinople
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was one of the most important public spaces of the Byzantine Empire and the center of entertainment and public life in ancient Constantinople.
Located in today's Sultanahmet district, the Hippodrome hosted spectacular chariot races, imperial ceremonies, political gatherings and major public celebrations.
Although the original stadium no longer survives as a complete structure, several remarkable ancient monuments remain in Sultanahmet Square, preserving the memory of one of Constantinople's greatest landmarks.
HISTORY OF THE HIPPODROME
Centuries of
Centuries of
Roman & Byzantine History
The Hippodrome played a central role in the political, cultural and social life of Constantinople for centuries.
3rd Century
The Roman Hippodrome
An early version of the Hippodrome was established during the Roman period as a major venue for public entertainment and chariot racing.
330 AD
Constantine the Great
After transforming Byzantium into Constantinople, Emperor Constantine the Great expanded the city and developed the Hippodrome into a monumental imperial public arena.
4th–6th Century
The Imperial Arena
The Hippodrome became the center of chariot racing, public celebrations, imperial ceremonies and political life in Constantinople.
532 AD
The Nika Revolt
The Hippodrome became the center of the famous Nika Revolt during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The uprising became one of the most dramatic events in the history of Byzantine Constantinople.
Byzantine Era
Center of Public Life
For centuries, the Hippodrome remained closely connected to the imperial palace and served as one of the most important public spaces in Constantinople.
Ottoman Era
From Hippodrome to Atmeydanı
Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the historic area continued to serve as an important public square and became known as Atmeydanı.
Today
Sultanahmet Square
Today the former Hippodrome forms part of Sultanahmet Square and remains surrounded by some of Istanbul's most important historical landmarks.
HIPPODROME MONUMENTS
Ancient Monuments
Ancient Monuments
of Sultanahmet
Several remarkable monuments still stand along the historic Hippodrome, connecting modern Istanbul with the ancient world.
Obelisk of Theodosius
This ancient Egyptian obelisk dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III and was transported to Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I.
The Walled Obelisk
Also known as the Constantine Obelisk, this monument stands at the southern end of the former Hippodrome and represents an important part of Byzantine heritage.
The Ancient Races
Chariot racing was the great spectacle of the Hippodrome, attracting enormous crowds and connecting sport, politics and imperial power in Constantinople.
WHY VISIT THE HIPPODROME
Where Ancient
Where Ancient
Constantinople
Comes Alive
Visiting the Hippodrome is an opportunity to stand in one of the most important public spaces of the Byzantine Empire.
Ancient monuments, Byzantine history and Ottoman heritage can all be experienced within the same historic square.
Its location also makes the Hippodrome an ideal starting point for exploring Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace.
VISITOR GUIDE
Plan Your
Plan Your
Hippodrome Visit
Explore the ancient monuments of Sultanahmet and combine your visit with Istanbul's most famous historic landmarks.
LOCATION
Sultanahmet
The former Hippodrome is located in Sultanahmet Square on Istanbul's Historic Peninsula.
TIME
Allow 30–45 Minutes
Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to explore the surviving monuments and understand the history of the ancient Hippodrome.
ROUTE
Explore on Foot
Combine the Hippodrome with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace.
VIP4GO ISTANBUL TRANSFER
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Start Your Istanbul
Journey in Comfort
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