Istanbul: Guided Byzantine Hippodrome Visit

Istanbul is home to a remarkable relic of the Byzantine era – the Hippodrome. Once a grand stadium that hosted chariot races and public events, this historical site now invites visitors to explore its storied past. With an expert guide leading the way, travelers can uncover the Hippodrome’s rich history and admire its captivating monuments, from the Egyptian Obelisk to the Bronze Serpents. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a glimpse into Istanbul’s ancient wonders, this guided tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to discover more of the city’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the historic Byzantine Hippodrome in Istanbul, priced at £47.20 per person with a duration of 20 minutes.
• Hippodrome was the social and sporting center of Constantinople, accommodating 100,000 spectators for various spectacles and chariot races.
• Key attractions include the Egyptian Obelisk, Bronze Serpents, German Fountain, and the central At Meydan chariot racing area.
• Tour includes professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and entry fee, with wheelchair accessibility and restrictions on pets and large bags.
• Highlights of the tour involve exploring the rich history and architectural wonders of the Hippodrome, with nearby attractions like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque enhancing the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour of the Byzantine Hippodrome in Istanbul is priced from £47.20 per person and lasts for 20 minutes. Visitors can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

This tour offers a chance to explore the historical significance of the Hippodrome, which was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

Situated in the heart of the historical peninsula, the Hippodrome is located in Sultanahmet Meydanı (Sultan Ahmet Square) and features key attractions such as the Egyptian obelisk, the bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents, and the German Fountain.

Historical Significance

The Hippodrome held 100,000 spectators and was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire.

Located in Sultanahmet Meydanı (Sultan Ahmet Square), heart of the historical peninsula, the term ‘hippodrome’ derives from Greek: hippos (horse) and dromos (path or way), reflecting its popularity for horse racing and chariot racing in ancient times.

This vast arena played a crucial role in the cultural and political life of the Byzantine Empire.

Spectacles and ceremonies held here were central to the imperial court’s power and prestige, showcasing the wealth and might of the Byzantine rulers to the people of Constantinople and foreign visitors alike.

Key Attractions

Atop the Hippodrome stands the impressive Egyptian obelisk, a towering monument that once adorned the center of this ancient sporting arena. Nearby, visitors can marvel at the intricate bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents, a remnant from Delphi that has been a fixture of the Hippodrome for centuries. Plus, the iconic German Fountain, with its ornate design and prominent location, is a key attraction within the Hippodrome complex. Lastly, visitors can explore At Meydanı, or Horse Square, which was the heart of the Hippodrome’s chariot racing activities during the Byzantine era.

Key Attraction	Historical Significance
Egyptian Obelisk	Once centered the Hippodrome
Bronze Serpents	Remnant from Delphi
German Fountain	Iconic structure in the complex
At Meydanı	Heart of chariot racing
Entire Hippodrome	Sporting and social center of Constantinople

Tour Inclusions and Logistics

The guided tour of the Byzantine Hippodrome includes a professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entry fee to the site. Personal expenses and lunch aren’t included.

The meeting point is the German Fountain at the northern end of the Hippodrome, near the tramline, where a guide holding a turquoise flag will be waiting. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but pets, oversized luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Infants under 2 years old can join the tour free of charge. The activity ends at the mosque exit.

With no upfront payment required, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later to experience this iconic Byzantine landmark in Istanbul.

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Accessibility and Restrictions

The Hippodrome tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to explore this historic site.

Pets, oversized luggage, and large bags, however, aren’t permitted on the tour.

Infants under 2 years old can join the tour free of charge.

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, there are some restrictions in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Visitors are advised to follow the guidelines and plan accordingly.

The activity ends at the mosque exit, providing a seamless conclusion to the guided exploration of the Byzantine Hippodrome’s rich history and architectural wonders.

Experience Highlights

Visitors on the guided tour of the Byzantine Hippodrome can marvel at the impressive Egyptian obelisk, a towering monument that once stood in the heart of ancient Constantinople. Alongside this ancient relic, they’ll discover the curious bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents, a unique artifact from Delphi.

Key Attraction	Historical Significance	Tour Highlight
Egyptian Obelisk	Stood in the heart of Constantinople	Towering monument from ancient times
Bronze Serpent Sculpture	Artifact from the Oracle of Delphi	Intriguing and unusual sculpture
German Fountain	Ornate fountain gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II	Architectural marvel on the Hippodrome

The tour also includes a visit to the At Meydanı, or Horse Square, where the thrill of ancient chariot races can still be imagined.

Insider Tips

For an optimal experience, bring comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves covering a fair amount of ground.

Plus, it’s advisable to bring sun protection, as the Hippodrome is an open-air site.

Likewise, having a bottle of water on hand can be quite refreshing during the tour.

Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Since the Hippodrome is located in a popular tourist area, it’s best to avoid carrying large bags or luggage, as they may be cumbersome.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring the captivating Hippodrome, visitors can discover a wealth of nearby attractions that further immerse them in Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Just steps away stands the iconic Hagia Sophia, a majestic architectural marvel that seamlessly blends Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

The nearby Blue Mosque, with its stunning six minarets, invites visitors to bask in the tranquility of its interior.

For a glimpse into the city’s past, the Topkapi Palace offers a fascinating journey through the opulent lives of the Ottoman sultans.

These renowned landmarks, along with the vibrant Grand Bazaar, provide ample opportunities for visitors to delve deeper into Istanbul’s captivating heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Hippodrome?

Photography is allowed inside the Hippodrome. Visitors can freely take photos during the guided tour, which provides an opportunity to capture the ancient site’s historical attractions and architectural features.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package doesn’t include personal expenses or lunch, so you’ll need to purchase any refreshments separately during the visit.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Commentary in Other Languages?

The tour guides provide commentary in multiple languages, typically including English, as well as other common languages like Spanish, French, and German, to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of visitors. The specific languages offered may vary by tour.

Is There an Audio Guide Option Available for the Tour?

There’s no mention of an audio guide option for this tour. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, and visitors appear to receive the commentary in person during the 20-minute guided visit.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if I Want to Explore More?

No, the tour duration is fixed at 20 minutes. However, visitors can explore the Hippodrome further on their own after the guided tour. There’s no option to extend the duration of the guided portion of the tour.

Recap

This guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine Hippodrome provides an immersive experience into the city’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the former social and sporting hub, learning about its key attractions like the Egyptian Obelisk and Bronze Serpents.

With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, along with wheelchair accessibility, the tour offers a hassle-free way to discover this captivating ancient site.

It’s an enriching and informative experience for anyone interested in Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: