When visiting Istanbul, be sure to check out the sights of Sultanahmet Square. The Serpent Column, Hagia Sophia, Yerebatan Sarnici, and the Blue Mosque are among the highlights. If you plan to go during the day, make sure to pack a light jacket and an umbrella. If it looks like rain is in the forecast, you may want to bring one. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the square as well, so you can easily eat and drink without having to worry about the elements.
Serpent Column
A restoration project is underway at Istanbul’s Serpent Column, a 2,500 years-old monument, in Sultanahmet Square. Work on the Serpent Column, one of the city’s most beloved symbols, is expected to be complete in about a month. The project will include fixing cracks in the column and cleaning up dye stains, among other things. The restoration will also include landscaping around the Serpent Column.
While most of the serpent heads are smashed, the upper part of the column is still intact. Mehmed II planted a mulberry tree to protect the column during the conquest, and he removed its lower jaw after destroying it in 1700. The upper jaw, which was discovered during the restoration of the Hagia Sophia, is displayed in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. It is also believed that the head of a serpent from the Hippodrome is part of the Serpent Column.
Aside from the carved heads, other important features of the Serpent Column are its ancient history. Its name, Serpent Column, was first used to designate the temple of Apollo. It was originally located in Delphi but was moved to Istanbul in 324. In fact, the column’s capital was reused in the process. Moreover, it is the only ancient monument in Istanbul to have three serpent heads.
The Serpent Column was originally located at Delphi, opposite the Kathisma in the Hippodrome. It was brought to the Hippodrome from Delphi and placed next to the altar of Apollo. The Serpent Column is believed to be at least 2,500 years old and was probably a part of an offering to the sun god Apollo. In 355 BC, the Greek city-states defeated the Persians, and the column became a symbol of victory. The Serpent Column in Istanbul today represents this ancient Greek victory.
The Serpent Column is located in the Hipodrom of the city’s famous square. It is a fascinating symbol of ancient Greek history and culture and is the source of many myths about the city’s past. Moreover, the complexes of mosques, tombs, and madrasahs make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. It was also used by the Greeks to mark the victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea.
Hagia Sophia
Located in the center of Sultanahmet Square, the Hippodrome of Constantinople is an ancient circus and social center in Constantinople. It was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, the Hippodrome serves as a museum, cafe, and restaurant. Its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history are sure to captivate visitors. To get a closer look, check out the video below.
The construction of the Hagia Sofia began in the 6th century and was completed in 537 ce. During the period of construction, more than ten thousand workers were employed to build the edifice. Although the Hagia Sophia is not the largest cathedral in the world, it is a major landmark in Istanbul. Its dome and interior decorations were originally inspired by Byzantine mosaics.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a historical experience, Istanbul has it all. You can visit the Hagia Sophia on your own or take a private tour. Either way, it’s a must for your Istanbul travel itinerary! We recommend a private tour to avoid crowds and get an insider’s perspective on the Hagia Sophia. While it’s a busy place, you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Several tour operators are available to guide you to the Hagia Sophia.
While visiting the Hagia Sofia, you’ll also want to visit the Hippodrome, which was once a hub of public life in the ancient city. Here, gladiators and chariot races were held. Today, the Hippodrome is a public park. You can find everything from traditional Turkish food to delicious breakfasts and even lunch. The area is full of restaurants and bars serving traditional Turkish cuisine.
The Hagia Sophia’s main dome is particularly fascinating for art historians and architects. The structure features a central dome supported by two semi-domes. Pendentives, which are triangular triangles on a square base, were first used on a large scale in this building. Today, other large-domed structures imitate the Hagia Sophia’s interior layout.
Hagia Mosque
The Hagia Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey is located on the first hill of the city, on a historic peninsula surrounded by the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara. Its location makes it an excellent place for a religious or spiritual experience. It’s open to the public, but you should still observe the correct protocol when you visit. If you wish to take photos of the inside of the Hagia Sophia, don’t be obstructing the prayer area.
The Hagia Sophia is an ancient building in Istanbul that has undergone a number of restorations throughout the centuries. Mosaics have been reconstructed several times, and many of the original mosaics date from the sixth century. Later, after the ban of icons in the 8th century, the mosque began to display mosaics depicting figures in its interior. The Deisis stage mosaics are located in the southwest gallery, while the Ottoman tughra was completed between 1847 and 1849.
The interior of the Hagia Mosque is also impressive, and the mausoleums of the Ottoman Sultans are among the first things you should see. The grand mosque houses the tombs of five Sultans and princes. These five men ruled Istanbul for several centuries, and their bodies are buried within the building. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed mosque is one of Istanbul’s most popular destinations.
The Hagia Sophia, or “Holy Wisdom” in Greek, is Istanbul’s oldest and largest mosque. The original structure was constructed in 325 AD and rebuilt three times. It was originally a church, but it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and a museum in 1935. In 2020, it will be declared a mosque and accepted as the eighth wonder of the world. Although the current structure is not as ancient as its predecessors, it still features various styles influenced by different rulers.
While exploring Sultanahmet Square, be sure to take your time. Its history spans more than two thousand years and is the perfect place to take a visit. There are also several other places to visit, including the Topkapi Palace Museum, where you can get a taste of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. But no matter what you choose to do, be sure to allocate enough time to see everything.
Yerebatan Sarnici
The Hippodrome of Constantinople is situated in Sultanahmet Square. The Hippodrome was the social and sporting center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, you can see the remains of this ancient circus. The square has been the site of a number of events, including the Olympic Games. It is a must-visit for history buffs and tourists alike.
The cistern is lined with marble blocks. Many of the blocks were salvaged from ruined buildings throughout the Empire. A major part of the column consists of one-piece marble blocks, while the remaining part is two-piece pieces. The walls are over four meters thick and the floor is covered with heat-resistant ceramic bricks. The spaces between the bricks are filled with Khorasan Mortar, which comes from eastern Anatolia.
The underground palace was forgotten by city authorities before the Byzantine Conquest. However, a scholar named Petrus Gyllius was exploring the neighbourhood and found the cistern. According to his research, a cistern was built in this location for clean water. The Ottomans referred to the cistern as Yerebatan Saray. The cistern was eventually turned into a trash dump.