A guided tour of the Byzantine Hippodrome in Istanbul. Together with your English-speaking guide, you will explore and learn about this fascinating piece of history.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 20 minutes
- Starting time 10:45 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
Highlights
- Take a guided tour of the Hippodrome
- Explore At Meydanı, or "Horse Square"
- See the Egyptian obelisk
- Witness the bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi
- View the German Fountain
Full description
The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi have survived.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı, internationaly referred to as the Sultan Ahmet Square and located in the heart of the historical peninsula of Istanbul.
The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos, horse, and dromos, path or way. For this reason, it is sometimes also referred to as Atmeydanı (Horse Square) in Turkish. Horse racing and chariot racing were popular pastimes in the ancient world, and hippodromes were common features of Greek cities in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
Includes
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Entry fee to the site
- Personal expenses
- Lunch
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
The German Fountain can be found at the northern end of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, near the tramline. Your guide will be holding a turquoise flag.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Not allowed
- Pets
- Oversize luggage
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- Infants are free of charge below 2 years of age
- The activity will end at the exit of the mosque