Hippodrome of Constantinople Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Hippodrome of Constantinople (At Meydani, or "Horse Square") was the sporting and social center of Byzantine Constantinople, once holding 100,000 spectators for chariot races. Today it is an open-air public square in the heart of Sultanahmet, lined with three surviving ancient monuments: the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius (3,500 years old), the Serpentine Column from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and the Walled Obelisk. The ornate German Fountain, gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1901, stands at the north end. As a flat, paved public square with no entry barriers, it is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Getting There

• Tram: Sultanahmet stop (T1 Bagcilar-Kabatas line) is a 2-minute roll. Exit the tram and head south toward the Blue Mosque. The Hippodrome runs parallel to the mosque on its western side.
• From Eminonu: Take the T1 tram two stops to Sultanahmet.
• From Taksim: Take the funicular to Kabatas, then T1 tram to Sultanahmet (about 25 minutes).

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The entire square is flat and paved. Wheelchair users can roll freely throughout the area.
• The monuments are in the open air with no barriers, fences, or steps to navigate.
• Benches and seating areas are available along the edges of the square.
• The square connects directly to the paths leading to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern, making it a natural starting point for exploring Sultanahmet.
• Some edges of the square meet cobblestone streets. The main paved area in the center is the smoothest surface.
• Wheelchair rentals are available at designated rental locations in the Sultanahmet area (ask at nearby tourist information).

Accessible Toilets

Public restrooms are located near the south end of the Hippodrome and in Sultanahmet Square. Quality and accessibility vary. The restrooms inside the nearby Arasta Bazaar or shopping areas may offer better accessible facilities.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Visit at any time, day or night. The square is illuminated in the evening and makes for a pleasant experience after dark.
• There is no admission fee and no time restriction. You can pass through as often as you like.
• The square is a great starting point for exploring the Sultanahmet district. From here, the Blue Mosque is immediately east, Hagia Sophia is a 3-minute roll northeast, and the Basilica Cistern is a 4-minute roll north.
• Vendors and street sellers are common. Politely decline if not interested.
• The flat surface makes this one of the most comfortable outdoor spaces in the old city for wheelchair users.
• Allow 15 to 30 minutes to see all the monuments and read the information panels.