Hippodrome of Constantinople

Hippodrome of Constantinople

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Constantinople Racecourse, was a Roman circus that served as the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it is Sultanahmet Square in the historic center of Istanbul, Turkey, with only a few fragments of the original structure remaining.

The word "hippodrome" comes from the Greek words hippos (ἱππός, meaning horse) and dromos (δρόμος, meaning path or way). In the ancient world, horse racing and chariot racing were popular leisure activities, and hippodromes were common in Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine-period Greek cities.

Today, the official name of this area is "Sultanahmet Square," which is meticulously maintained by the Turkish authorities. The old racetrack has been paved over, although the actual track lies about two meters below the current surface. The surviving ancient monuments within the track—two obelisks and the Serpent Column—are now located in a scenic garden. The German Fountain, situated at the northern entrance of the hippodrome area right in front of the Blue Mosque, is an octagonal domed fountain in Neo-Byzantine style, built by the German government in 1900 to commemorate the visit of German Emperor Wilhelm II to Istanbul in 1898.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Must-visit reason: One of Istanbul’s principal squares

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Turkey[turkey]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Istanbul Province [Istanbul Province]

City where the attraction is located: Istanbul [Istanbul]