Istanbul City Walls in Istanbul

Istanbul City Walls in Istanbul, also called the Walls of Constantinople, offer a chance to see the original stone walls that fortified the city during the Roman Empire. These walls were one of the most elaborate fortification systems of the ancient world and were designed to provide defence against land and sea attacks. Today they are still standing in various stages of preservation, and you can explore them at your leisure.

The walls date to the 5th century CE and stretch for miles. They provide great vantage points to see the city from above and get a true sense of the depth of Istanbul's history.

Istanbul City Walls in Istanbul - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul (Read all about Istanbul here)

What are the highlights of the Istanbul City Walls in Istanbul?

The first Istanbul City Walls were constructed when the city was founded as Byzantium in the 7th century BCE. They were expanded upon many times over the years, with the earliest expansion during the reign of Emperor Constantine. The final expansion happened in the 5th century CE by Emperor Theodosius II. The walls were only breached twice in history, first during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and second in 1453.

Today, visitors come to Istanbul to see the many still-standing gates and watchtowers. You can snap photos of the walls themselves or get amazing views of the entire city from the top.

What else is good to know about Istanbul City Walls in Istanbul?

The Istanbul City Walls in Istanbul aren't a formal location; they circumnavigate much of the city, and you can explore them as you will. They are open to the public and allow you the chance to see and touch history up close. You can learn more about the walls at the attached places, like the Kariye Museum, which has exhibits dedicated to their construction and history.

Many local city tours are also available that take you around the walls. These will pair you with a dedicated, expert tour guide who can provide in-depth information about the various fortifications, their construction and specific purposes.