🏛️LandmarkOpen now · Closes 12:00 AMFree

Obelisk of Theodosius

Name: Obelisk of Theodosius
Rating: 4.7

4.7 ·

Stand before the Obelisk of Theodosius, an Egyptian monument that has watched over Istanbul's old hippodrome for centuries. Trace the hieroglyphs above and the detailed imperial scenes carved into the base.

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Full description

The Obelisk of Theodosius is an Egyptian granite obelisk carved with hieroglyphs from around 1400 B.C. and re-erected in the old Hippodrome in the 4th century A.D. It stands in Sultanahmet Square and is regarded as one of the oldest artefacts in the city.

Reviewers highlight the carved base, where rows of officials, courtiers, musicians, and attendants are depicted in fine detail. It is freely accessible at any hour and needs only about 15 minutes, making it an easy stop when walking between the main sights of the historic peninsula.

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Address

Sultanahmet, Binbirdirek, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

15 min

Best time

early morning, morning, afternoon, early evening or evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

Look closely at the carved base for the imperial scenes
it is open 24 hours, so evening visits work well when the square is lit
pair it with nearby sights in Sultanahmet Square.

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Reviews

Old Egyptian obelisk with hieroglyphs brought to city by Emperor Theodoaius, place in old hippodrome and in perfect state from granite, considered as oldest city historical artefact. There are two more things on hippodrome- Walled obelisk and Serpent column in very good conditions

Soko 37 (Soko37)

3/5

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