Walled Obelisk, Istanbul

The Walled Obelisk, also known by names such as the Constantine Obelisk or the Masonry Obelisk, is a historical monument located at the south end of what was once the Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. This area is a major tourist attraction, not only because of the obelisk itself but also due to its proximity to other famous landmarks including the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain, and iconic structures like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

The exact date of the Walled Obelisk's original construction remains a mystery. However, it underwent significant reconstruction in the 10th century under the directive of Emperor Constantine VII. This reconstruction effort saw the 32-meter (approximately 105 feet) tall structure being rebuilt with roughly cut stones. During this period, it was adorned with gilded bronze plaques that showcased the military triumphs of Basil I, who was Constantine VII's grandfather. A sphere placed atop the obelisk added to its grandeur.

Unfortunately, the Walled Obelisk's splendor was not to last. In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade, the obelisk was plundered, with its gilded bronze plaques being stolen and melted down. Adding to its woes, the obelisk also suffered surface damage inflicted by young Janissaries, members of the Ottoman Sultan's household troops, who would climb the monument to demonstrate their agility and strength.

Despite these challenges, the Walled Obelisk has endured through the centuries and continues to be a point of interest for countless tourists visiting Istanbul. Its historical significance and the stories of its past make it a captivating sight for those looking to delve into the rich history of one of the world's most historically significant cities.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Istanbul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Walled Obelisk
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey (See walking tours in Istanbul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Byzantine Heritage Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Istanbul, Turkey

Create Your Own Walk in Istanbul

Creating your own self-guided walk in Istanbul 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.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles

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Its growth was boosted by the opening of the Orient Express line, connecting Paris to... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

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This self-guided walk will take you along the coast so that you... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles

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Whether you feel like walking... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour

Istanbul is the only megalopolis in the world that straddles two continents. The Bosphorus Strait splits Turkey's biggest city into two parts: European and Asian. The latter, known locally as Asya Yakas谋 (鈥淎sian Side鈥�), or more commonly as Anadolu Yakas谋 (鈥淎natolian Side鈥�), is found east of the strait, geographically on the Asian mainland.

The vast Anatolian shore, wrongly... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

View all walking tours in Istanbul, Turkey

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