Column of Julian, Ankara
The Column of Julianus, also known as Belkıs Minaresi, is a tall obelisk located in the Ulus district of Ankara. This impressive structure was built to honor Julianus, the last pagan Roman emperor, who declared war on the Persians in 362 and passed through Ankara on his way to the expedition. The people of the city were excited to hear that the emperor would stay there, and so they built the Julianus Column to commemorate his visit.
The column stands over 15 meters tall and is made of stone. Its unique ring shape has a fluted body and a Corinthian capital, although the north-facing side of the capital has suffered damage over time. The base and body of the column are relatively simple in design, but the headboard is adorned with intricate reliefs in the form of acanthus leaves.
Although there is no inscription or known creator of the column, it is widely believed to have been built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate from 361 to 363 AD. Its Byzantine-style construction indicates that it dates back to the 4th century. Nowadays, the column is a popular subject for photographers due to the stork's nest that often adorns it. Despite the damaged capital, the Column of Julian remains a significant cultural landmark that bears witness to the region's rich history.
The column stands over 15 meters tall and is made of stone. Its unique ring shape has a fluted body and a Corinthian capital, although the north-facing side of the capital has suffered damage over time. The base and body of the column are relatively simple in design, but the headboard is adorned with intricate reliefs in the form of acanthus leaves.
Although there is no inscription or known creator of the column, it is widely believed to have been built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate from 361 to 363 AD. Its Byzantine-style construction indicates that it dates back to the 4th century. Nowadays, the column is a popular subject for photographers due to the stork's nest that often adorns it. Despite the damaged capital, the Column of Julian remains a significant cultural landmark that bears witness to the region's rich history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ankara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Column of Julian on Map
Sight Name: Column of Julian
Sight Location: Ankara, Turkey (See walking tours in Ankara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ankara, Turkey (See walking tours in Ankara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ankara, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ankara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ankara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ankara Introduction Walking Tour
Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey, is the heart of the country's central region of Anatolia. Apart from being an important center for politics, this cosmopolitan city – the second-largest in Turkey after Istanbul – plays a significant role in shaping the nation's cultural and economic landscape.
Ankara has a long and eventful history, dating back to the Bronze Age, circa 2,000... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Ankara has a long and eventful history, dating back to the Bronze Age, circa 2,000... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Ankara Roman Ruins Walking Tour
In 25 BC, Emperor Augustus annexed Ankara, then known as Ancyra, to the Roman Empire. Following that, the city, attached with considerable importance, was enhanced with fortifications and embellished with temples and elaborate civic buildings.
The most significant Roman landmarks, a testament to the Roman imperial cultural influence, survived to our days albeit ruined, include the Roman Theater... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The most significant Roman landmarks, a testament to the Roman imperial cultural influence, survived to our days albeit ruined, include the Roman Theater... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles