Obelisk of Theodosius
Obelisk of Theodosius
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
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4,576 within 5 kms
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1,159 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TravelerCentralFLAClermont, Florida1,781 contributionsAncient Egyptian Obelisk Moved to Istanbul by Theodosius IThe Obelisk of Theodosius is in the ancient Hippodrome in Istanbul in the Sultanahmet District. Like the Serpent Column it was transported to Istanbul. It was placed in Istanbul by Theodosius I. It was originally raised in Egypt by Pharaoh Thutmose III over 3,400 years ago. It is amazing to see something that is so ancient and has such a long history in Egypt and Rome. I recommend a visit to the Obelisk.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 2 December 2023
- OZS_ATWBudapest, Hungary3,728 contributionsGreat!The Obelisk of Theodosius is a must to see before visiting the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. It was originally raised in Egypt by Pharaoh Thutmose III over 3,400 years ago. It was brought to here was re-erected in the center Hippodrome in Istanbul. Amazing!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 December 2023
- Susan CMelbourne, Australia1,539 contributionsThutmose III's obeliskHaving just visited Egypt and Karnak we enjoyed seeing one of the missing obelisks belonging to Thutmose III (1479–1425 BC). One third is missing but the other two thirds were erected in the Hippodrome (now known as Sultanahmet Square) in the 4th century AD by the Roman emperor, Theodosius. It is set on a Roman base with reliefs from Theodosius's time. Despite the lower part of the base being lower than the ground in a "well", you can still see all of it clearly and the second half and the obelisk itself are much higher. The obelisk is in better condition than the base. It is one of the many such Egyptian obelisks scattered around the world and worth a visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 May 2024
- Tony JNew Jersey3,973 contributionsHistorical ObeliskRefer to my other prior Mediterranean cruise reviews of Kusadasi, Ephesus, Galataport Istanbul and the Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The historic Obelisk of Theodosius was in the same area as the Blue Mosque, which we last visited. This Obelisk was within a short 150 meter 2 minute walk from the Blue Mosque. The Obelisk is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III, first erected during the 18th dynasty of Egypt. It was re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD. It was erected in the Hippodrome in part to commemorate the defeat of the usurper Maximus and his son Victor by Theodosius in 388 AD. See my pics and videos. Lots of walking around in this area. More to come regarding another nearby short walk historic site in this area.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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628 reviews
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Susan C
Melbourne, Australia1,539 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Having just visited Egypt and Karnak we enjoyed seeing one of the missing obelisks belonging to Thutmose III (1479–1425 BC). One third is missing but the other two thirds were erected in the Hippodrome (now known as Sultanahmet Square) in the 4th century AD by the Roman emperor, Theodosius. It is set on a Roman base with reliefs from Theodosius's time. Despite the lower part of the base being lower than the ground in a "well", you can still see all of it clearly and the second half and the obelisk itself are much higher. The obelisk is in better condition than the base. It is one of the many such Egyptian obelisks scattered around the world and worth a visit.
Written 3 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,287 contributions
Nov 2019
Surprising to see this fabulous Egytian obelisk in the heart of Istanbul, but here it stands. Originally erected in 1450 BC in Egypt, it was first plundered and taken to Rome, then transferred to its present site around 390 AD. It has very clear and interesting hieroglypics carved throughout. Probably the most interesting thing to see at the Hippodrome site.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony J
New Jersey3,973 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Refer to my other prior Mediterranean cruise reviews of Kusadasi, Ephesus, Galataport Istanbul and the Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The historic Obelisk of Theodosius was in the same area as the Blue Mosque, which we last visited. This Obelisk was within a short 150 meter 2 minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
The Obelisk is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III, first erected during the 18th dynasty of Egypt. It was re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD. It was erected in the Hippodrome in part to commemorate the defeat of the usurper Maximus and his son Victor by Theodosius in 388 AD. See my pics and videos. Lots of walking around in this area. More to come regarding another nearby short walk historic site in this area.
The Obelisk is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III, first erected during the 18th dynasty of Egypt. It was re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD. It was erected in the Hippodrome in part to commemorate the defeat of the usurper Maximus and his son Victor by Theodosius in 388 AD. See my pics and videos. Lots of walking around in this area. More to come regarding another nearby short walk historic site in this area.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerCentralFLA
Clermont, FL1,781 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
The Obelisk of Theodosius is in the ancient Hippodrome in Istanbul in the Sultanahmet District. Like the Serpent Column it was transported to Istanbul. It was placed in Istanbul by Theodosius I. It was originally raised in Egypt by Pharaoh Thutmose III over 3,400 years ago. It is amazing to see something that is so ancient and has such a long history in Egypt and Rome.
I recommend a visit to the Obelisk.
I recommend a visit to the Obelisk.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary3,728 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The Obelisk of Theodosius is a must to see before visiting the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. It was originally raised in Egypt by Pharaoh Thutmose III over 3,400 years ago. It was brought to here was re-erected in the center Hippodrome in Istanbul.
Amazing!
Amazing!
Written 11 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deetee100
London, UK1,906 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
If you’re in the vicinity of Sultanahmet, you’ll probably stumble across this obelisk at some point. Most times I passed it, there were heards of tourists around it, but it was less crowded (and cooler) at night. Worth a quick look, since it’s so near all the other sights of Sultanahmet
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,438 contributions
Sept 2020
The Theodosis obelisk stands where the famous Hippodrome was once (read that review). Contrary to the Hippodrome, the obelisk survived the ages and attracts many visitors today.
Originally the obelisk stood by the famous Karnak temple in Luxor, built during the Tuthmoses III reign. Roman emperor Constantin took it from there and moved to Alexandria first, while emperor Theodosis moved it here in Constantinople.
During these actions, the obelisk was damaged somewhere (different speculations) which resulted being 12 m shorter than when it was taken. However, it's in remarkable condition and a great tourist attraction.
Originally the obelisk stood by the famous Karnak temple in Luxor, built during the Tuthmoses III reign. Roman emperor Constantin took it from there and moved to Alexandria first, while emperor Theodosis moved it here in Constantinople.
During these actions, the obelisk was damaged somewhere (different speculations) which resulted being 12 m shorter than when it was taken. However, it's in remarkable condition and a great tourist attraction.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane R
Alameda, CA1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Couples
Istanbul is so amazing, around every corner lies something to take your breath away. This obelisk lies near Hagia Sophia, the Blue mosque and near the cisterna underground all of which need to be experienced. It is hard to image bldgs and structures that are all that ancient and still so beautiful. Don't forget to go to the baths the ancient markets, and take the boat to the Asian side of the Bosporus. Great eating everywhere and really terrific people. Enjoy and have fun. Also go across the Galeta bridge pass the tower into this great neighborhood. Also walk up the Bosporus. It's hard to have a bad time in Istanbul.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manolis
Xanthi, Greece2,191 contributions
Aug 2023 • Business
Very close to Ayia Sofia you can fin the obelisk. It is something that we have read in the books and it is nice to see it from close.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
v_ee
Tabriz, Iran1,084 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
Take a photo here
The 26 metres tall obelisk stands on one side of the Hippodrome, in front of the Blue Mosque. Interesting to see and great to take photos with. I just marveled how they brought this thing all the way from Egypt to Istanbul and installed it here.
The 26 metres tall obelisk stands on one side of the Hippodrome, in front of the Blue Mosque. Interesting to see and great to take photos with. I just marveled how they brought this thing all the way from Egypt to Istanbul and installed it here.
Written 14 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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