Obelisk of Theodosius
Monument Ancient Egyptian obelisk re-erected in Istanbul's historic Hippodrome
At the old Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, the Obelisk of Theodosius stands on a 4th‑century pedestal; the Egyptian granite column was re‑erected in Constantinople. Visitors come for imperial history and to combine the site with nearby Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
The Obelisk of Theodosius stands in the historic Hippodrome area of Istanbul (Sultanahmet Square) and is an ancient Egyptian obelisk re-erected in Constantinople in the late 4th century CE. The granite shaft was quarried in Egypt and later transported to the Roman capital.
The obelisk was brought from the Temple of Karnak and set up in Constantinople by the emperor Theodosius I around 390 CE; it rests on a sculpted marble pedestal added at that time. The shaft bears original hieroglyphic inscriptions, while the base depicts imperial ceremonies and scenes associated with Theodosius.
- Hieroglyphs and decorated base: The stone shaft is covered in Egyptian hieroglyphs and stands on a Roman/Byzantine base decorated with relief panels from the late 4th century CE.
How to Get to Obelisk of Theodosius #
The obelisk is in Sultanahmet (Hippodrome) near the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern. The nearest tram stop is Sultanahmet (T1 line); the site is walkable from many central Istanbul landmarks.
Tips for Visiting Obelisk of Theodosius #
- Visit early morning to see the column against a quieter Sultanahmet, before tour buses arrive.
- Look for the Egyptian hieroglyphic inscription on the granite - one of the oldest pieces of the column's story.
- Combine the stop with a walk to the adjacent Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque to trace layers of Constantinople.
Best Time to Visit Obelisk of Theodosius #
Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds in the historic Sultanahmet district.
Weather & Climate near Obelisk of Theodosius #
Obelisk of Theodosius's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (696 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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