Explore the remnants of the original Hippodrome, a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Named after the Greek words meaning "horse path," the area used to host horse and chariot racing, and is thought to have had a seating capacity of 100,000. It was also used to host elaborate celebrations for circumcision ceremonies of the sons of Sultan Ahmed III. The actual track now sits below the present square, which features preserved monuments such as the middle barrier of the race course, two obelisks, and the Serpentine Column. The area includes an octogonal domed fountain that was constructed by the German governor to commemorate Emperor Wilhelm's visit to the city in 1891. Explore the square, visit the nearby museums, and learn more about the history of the track. Note that the square is centrally located to the city's other attractions, making it easily accessible on foot. Plan to visit Hippodrome and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Istanbul attractions using our Istanbul trip planner.
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Hippodrome reviews
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Nothing left of the original stadium, but somehow it still keeps the sense of the chariot racing which would have occurred here, probably because of the long walkways on either side which are where...
Nothing left of the original stadium, but somehow it still keeps the sense of the chariot racing which would have occurred here, probably because of the long walkways on either side which are where... more »
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It’s a place where something was there. Not much left of it except couple of monuments. Not too many meanings but nice place to walk around
It’s a place where something was there. Not much left of it except couple of monuments. Not too many meanings but nice place to walk around more »
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