Gallery of the city walls
Istanbul City Walls
Istanbul City Walls - history and a walk along the historic peninsula
The City Walls of Istanbul, or Theodosian Walls, run across the land along the historic peninsula on the European side of the city. The approximately 6.5 km line of fortifications extends from Yedikule Fortress on the shore of the Sea of Marmara to Ayvansaray on the Golden Horn, passing through the neighborhoods of the Fatih district.
The main construction took place in 408-413 during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II under the supervision of the prefect Anthemius. It is a multi-tiered defensive system with inner and outer walls and a broad moat. The inner curtain is reinforced by towers of various forms, including rectangular and polygonal ones, numbering around a hundred in total. After the earthquake of 447 the defenses were rapidly repaired and strengthened.
Over the centuries the walls withstood numerous sieges and remained Constantinople's key defense. The most famous breaches are associated with the capture of the city by the Crusaders in 1204 and the Ottoman conquest in 1453.
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, parts of the walls were dismantled for the construction of roads and a railway, later conservation and restoration of individual sections began. The fortifications have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage property "Historic Areas of Istanbul" since 1985. Today you can see both restored and ruined stretches that offer a vivid picture of Late Antique and Byzantine fortification.
Show More
Show Less
The City Walls of Istanbul, or Theodosian Walls, run across the land along the historic peninsula on the European side of the city. The approximately 6.5 km line of fortifications extends from Yedikule Fortress on the shore of the Sea of Marmara to Ayvansaray on the Golden Horn, passing through the neighborhoods of the Fatih district.
The main construction took place in 408-413 during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II under the supervision of the prefect Anthemius. It is a multi-tiered defensive system with inner and outer walls and a broad moat. The inner curtain is reinforced by towers of various forms, including rectangular and polygonal ones, numbering around a hundred in total. After the earthquake of 447 the defenses were rapidly repaired and strengthened.
Over the centuries the walls withstood numerous sieges and remained Constantinople's key defense. The most famous breaches are associated with the capture of the city by the Crusaders in 1204 and the Ottoman conquest in 1453.
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, parts of the walls were dismantled for the construction of roads and a railway, later conservation and restoration of individual sections began. The fortifications have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage property "Historic Areas of Istanbul" since 1985. Today you can see both restored and ruined stretches that offer a vivid picture of Late Antique and Byzantine fortification.
Visits are conducted in separate sections at the curtains, towers, and surviving gates.
Towers, gates, and the moat of Late Antique Constantinople's defenses
It is easiest to visit the walls in separate segments. The inner and outer belts of defense are clearly distinguishable, as are the outer moat sections and the characteristic Byzantine masonry alternating stone and brick. On many stretches, towers of various layouts have survived, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the defensive line.
At the southern end by Yedikule Fortress are the remains of the Golden Gate - the ceremonial entrance to Constantinople. Further along are the Topkapi Gate (not to be confused with Topkapi Palace) and the Edirnekapi Gate, a convenient starting point for a walk along the northern sections. There is no single continuous route along the top - the visit is usually conducted from the outside at the foot of the curtains and towers.
At the northern end by Ayvansaray begin the districts of Balat and Fener. Not far from Edirnekapi is the Kariye Mosque, known as the former Chora Church, and along the line of the walls run gardens and park areas on the site of the ancient moat.
The easiest way to reach the walls is to the Topkapi-Ulubatli station (tram T1, metro M1), to Yedikule - to Kazlicesme on the Marmaray line, and to Ayvansaray - by tram T5.
Popular Tours
Best tours and travel experiences across the continent
Guided tours, popular attractions, and top-rated hotels across the continent
