Hippodrome

History of the Hippodrome

The Hippodrome was built in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, and it was expanded by Emperor Constantine I when he made Constantinople the new Roman capital in the 4th century. The Hippodrome was used for chariot races, public ceremonies, and imperial processions.

The stadium could seat approximately 100,000 spectators and was adorned with statues and columns. The hippodrome was the site of major public events, the most famous being the Nika Riots of 532 AD, during which tens of thousands of people died. The riots are a prime example of hooliganism. The two main chariot racing factions, the Blues and Greens started a fight and this turned into a massive uprising against Emperor Justinian I. The revolt was suppressed and the famous Hagia Sophia was damaged during the riots.

The Great Palace of Constantinople, which was the main residence of the Byzantine emperors was next to the Hippodrome. The palace was connected directly to the Hippodrome by a special imperial box called the Kathisma, allowing the emperor to observe races and events without walking through the public. The palace is completely lost today, only portions of it have been uncovered near the Arasta Bazaar and in the Great Palace Mosaic Museum.

Landmarks and Monuments at the Hippodrome

The original structure of the Hippodrome is no longer visible but the rectangular layout of the area can be seen. Several important monuments still stand or have been relocated nearby. Don't miss these landmarks:

• 1. Serpent Column

  The Serpent Column, which was originally at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, was brought to Constantinople by Constantine in the 4th century. It was a bronze column formed by three intertwined serpents, commemorating the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea (479 BC). The serpent heads were damaged or removed over time therefore only the base of the Serpent Column remains today.

• 2. Egyptian Obelisk

  Also known as the Obelisk of Theodosius, this monument was originally erected in Karnak, Egypt by Pharaoh Thutmose III around 1450 BC. It was transported to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in the late 4th century and placed on a marble base decorated with carvings of the emperor and scenes of court life. It is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the city.

• 3. Walled Obelisk

  The Walled Obelisk stands at the opposite end of the Hippodrome. It is a stone structure believed to have been built in the 10th century during the reign of Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. Its gilded bronze plates were unfortunately removed or lost.

• 4. German Fountain

  The German Fountain was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II to commemorate his visit to the Ottoman Empire in 1898. The structure is made of marble and bronze, with an ornate domed roof and mosaics inside. It stands at the northern end of the square and reflects the diplomatic relations between Germany and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century.

• 5. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) (click to learn more)

  Located directly adjacent to the former Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. It features six minarets and over 20,000 İznik tiles in blue tones, giving it its popular name. It is one of Istanbul's most important religious and historical sites.

• 6. Hagia Sophia (click to learn more)

  The Hagia Sophia was originally built by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD as an Orthodox cathedral. It served as a mosque during the Ottoman period, was turned into a museum in 1935, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020. It remains open to visitors, with its upper galleries and mosaics still accessible for visitation.

Is the Hippodrome Worth Visiting In Istanbul?

The Hippodrome of Constantinople is no longer a stadium, but it remains a central space in Istanbul's historical identity, surrounded by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments. For those interested in ancient history, imperial politics, or architectural heritage, Sultanahmet Square offers a concentrated glimpse into the layers of civilizations that once ruled from this very spot.