Edirnekapı is defined by the massive stone fortifications of the Theodosian Walls, which stretch across the landscape with two thick defensive towers guarding the ancient threshold. This gate, historically known as the Gate of Charisius,…
Theodosian Land Walls Walk
Follow the dramatic remains of Constantinople's legendary 5th-century fortifications, climbing historic city gates and walking past imperial palace ruins to neighborhood vegetable gardens.
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1. Edirnekapı
2. Kariye Mosque
The Kariye Mosque is a low, cluster-domed brick structure in the Fatih district that holds one of the world's most significant collections of late Byzantine art. Originally established in the early fourth century as a monastery church…
3. Palace of the Porphyrogenitus
The Palace of the Porphyrogenitus is a three-story stone and brick structure that sits directly against the ancient Theodosian Walls. You can identify it by the elaborate, colorful geometric patterns of red brick and white marble that…
4. Eğrikapı
Eğrikapı, or the Crooked Gate, sits within the ancient Theodosian Walls in the Ayvansaray district. You can identify this passage by the way the road leading through it forces traffic into a sharp, asymmetrical slalom, a layout that earned…
5. Ayvansaray bahçe
Ayvansaray Bahçe is a public space in the Fatih district that sits directly overlooking the Golden Horn. You can identify the site by its working agricultural plots, which are divided into sections assigned to various local schools. The…
6. Kazasker İvaz Efendi Mosque
The Kazasker İvaz Efendi Mosque sits in Ayvansaray, positioned directly above the Byzantine-era substructures of the Blachernai Palace. You can identify the site by its location against the ancient city walls and the large pits and tunnels…
7. Prison of Anemas
The Prison of Anemas is a formidable stone structure integrated directly into the ancient city walls of Constantinople, now Istanbul, near the Golden Horn. It consists of a series of vaulted chambers and towers that historically served as…