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
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
Neighborhood: 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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4,394 within 3 miles
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1,180 within 6 miles
See what travelers 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 2023Traveled soloWritten December 2, 2023
- OZS_ATWBudapest, Hungary3,841 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 11, 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 2, 2024
- Tony JNew Jersey3,983 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 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia5,859 contributions
Mar 2020
Originally made close to 1450BC, this obelisk was bought to Istanbul in the reign of Theodosius. It is amazing to see something that is close 3 and half thousand years old and still in such good condition. It shows the history of the place. This is something that Australia is lacking in (apart from some of the oldest indigenous paintings). It amazes me to stand close to and look at magnificent artifacts like this.
Written September 8, 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.
David D
1,212 contributions
Sep 2022
The obelisk celebrates the victory of Tuthmosis III over the Mitanni in 1450BC. It originally stood in Egypt, but was transported to Constantinople by Theodosius I, where it was placed in the hippodrome. This was where the wildly popular chariot races were held, and was the site of the Nike riots, that threatened to overthrow the Emperor Justinian at one point. The obelisk has seen a lot of history.
Written September 20, 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.
Frank D
Slidell, LA1,361 contributions
Jul 2022
The Obelisk of Theodosius a.k.a. Theodosius Dikilitas is an obelisk dating back to Tutmoses II in Egypt from about 1450 BC. The hieroglyphs note that the obelisk honors his father. Constantine brought this, along with other items, to lend gravitas to his new prospective capital of the Roman empire around 330 AD.
The obelisk is in SultanAhmet Square (a.k.a. the old Hippodrome). It shares this lovely square and adjacent park with other ancient artifacts as well as nice places to just sit and relax. If you're going to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Hagia Sophia or Hagia Irene you'll only be a few steps away, so don't miss this and the other bits of antiquity in the square.
The obelisk is in SultanAhmet Square (a.k.a. the old Hippodrome). It shares this lovely square and adjacent park with other ancient artifacts as well as nice places to just sit and relax. If you're going to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Hagia Sophia or Hagia Irene you'll only be a few steps away, so don't miss this and the other bits of antiquity in the square.
Written July 29, 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.
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 May 3, 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, Thailand4,282 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 March 5, 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 Jersey3,983 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 July 23, 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.
GabrielaSeevetal
Seevetal, Germany9,430 contributions
May 2023
Diklitas - the obelisk of Theodosius from 390 AD is the most valuable ancient relic. Thutmosis III had it erected after crossing the Euphrates in Karnak. It contains Egyptian symbols and writing. During the reign of Emperor Theodosius I, he had the 20 m high obelisk erected in the Hippodrome. The base shows him and members of his family in the Hippodrome.
Well worth seeing.
Well worth seeing.
Written August 11, 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.
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 December 2, 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, Hungary3,841 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 December 11, 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.
PATO-BETO
San Martin, Argentina19,912 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This obelisk was erected by Pharaoh Thutmose III in Egypt, forming part of an important temple. In the year 390 it was transported to Constantinople by order of Theodosius I, and was located in the hippodrome. Currently we can see it in a park, a few meters from the most important mosques in the city. It is approximately 20 meters high, originally it was a little taller, but it lost a few centimeters during the transfer. It stands on a marble pedestal with scenes of the emperor's glory on each of its faces.
Written January 22, 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.
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