Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Theodosian Walls
The walls that held for a thousand years
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Theodosian Walls
Built in the reign of Theodosius II in the 5th century, the land walls protected Constantinople for a thousand years. Long sections of the triple defences, with towers and gates, survive between Yedikule on the Sea of Marmara and Ayvansaray on the Golden Horn. The stretch around Edirnekapı, near the Chora, is a good place to start; wear good shoes and walk in daylight.
Why it's on our list
- 5th-century walls
- Walk the length
- Near the Chora
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Theodosian Walls before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Theodosian Walls are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- EdirnekapıT4200 m2 min walk
- ŞehitlikT4750 m9 min walk
- VatanT4850 m10 min walk
Key sights
- Süleymaniye Mosque2.9 kmWalk 36 minCycle 11 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Galata Tower3.3 kmWalk 41 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Spice Bazaar3.3 kmWalk 42 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Galata Bridge3.3 kmWalk 42 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Grand Bazaar3.5 kmWalk 44 minCycle 14 minCar or taxi 13 min
- İstiklal Avenue3.5 kmWalk 44 minCycle 14 minCar or taxi 14 min
- Taksim Square4.2 kmCycle 17 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Basilica Cistern4.3 kmCycle 17 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Blue Mosque4.4 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Hagia Sophia4.5 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 16 min
Getting around
- Istanbul Airport (IST)31 kmCar or taxi 97 min
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)35 kmCar or taxi 107 min