Hippodrome of Constantinople
Hippodrome of Constantinople in Turkey Tours
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, known today as Sultanahmet Square, was the centre of public life in Byzantine Constantinople. Originally constructed during the Roman period and greatly expanded under Emperor Septimius Severus and later Emperor Constantine the Great, it served as a major venue for chariot races, public celebrations and political gatherings.
The Hippodrome was once an enormous racing arena capable of holding large crowds. Although much of the original structure has disappeared, several important monuments remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk (Obelisk of Theodosius), the Serpent Column and the Column of Constantine.
Located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome remains an important part of Istanbul’s old city. Today, visitors can explore the surviving monuments and imagine the lively spectacles that once took place at the heart of ancient Constantinople.

What is included & excluded
- Entry: The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, is an open public historical area and generally does not require an entrance ticket.
- Booking: No advance booking is required for visiting the square and viewing its monuments.
- Opening Hours: The outdoor area is generally accessible throughout the day.
- Duration: Visitors may explore the square and its monuments according to their own itinerary.
- Photography: Photography is generally permitted for personal use in the outdoor public area.
- Accessibility: The square is generally accessible, although visitors may encounter uneven surfaces and pedestrian traffic.
- Weather Conditions: As the activity is outdoors, weather conditions may affect the sightseeing experience.
- Visitor Conduct: Visitors should respect the historic monuments and follow any local instructions or restrictions.
- Cancellation: Not applicable for independent visits, as there is no admission ticket or reservation.
- Guided Tours: If the Hippodrome is included in a guided city tour, the tour operator's booking, cancellation, and refund policy will apply.
- Important: Temporary restrictions, public events, restoration works, or security measures may affect access to parts of the square.
Cancellation policy
The Hippodrome of Constantinople is a public historical site and does not require an admission ticket or reservation for general sightseeing. Therefore, no separate cancellation or refund policy applies to visiting the site. If the Hippodrome is included as part of a guided tour or travel package, the cancellation and refund conditions of the respective tour or booking will apply.
Terms & conditions
- General access is free of charge and no standard admission ticket is required.
- Visitors should remain in designated public areas and follow instructions from local authorities and security personnel.
- Access to certain areas may be temporarily restricted because of public events, ceremonies, maintenance, security measures or other operational requirements.
- Visitors should respect the historic monuments, obelisks, columns and surrounding archaeological remains.
- Climbing, touching, damaging or otherwise interfering with monuments and protected structures is prohibited.
- Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public areas; commercial photography or professional filming may require prior permission.
- Visitors should avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic, ceremonies or access to nearby religious sites.
- Children should remain under the supervision of an accompanying adult.
- Visitors should exercise caution around roads, traffic, steps and uneven surfaces.
- Littering, vandalism and damage to public or historical property are prohibited.
- Visitors are responsible for their personal belongings.
- Individual attractions located around Sultanahmet Square may have separate admission fees and visitor regulations.
- If the Hippodrome is included in a guided Istanbul city tour, the tour operator's own cancellation and refund conditions will apply.
- Since the Hippodrome itself has no standard admission ticket, there is no general cancellation or refund policy for an ordinary visit.
- Weather conditions, official ceremonies, public events or security requirements may affect access without prior notice.
- Important: The Hippodrome is primarily an open public historical area, so the conditions above relate to general sightseeing. They do not apply to separately ticketed attractions or museums in the Sultanahmet area.
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