Serpent Column

The Serpent Column (Yılanlı Sütun) is one of a handful of interesting monuments and ruins situated upon Sultanahmet Square in the heart of Istanbul. Historically, the monument was first erected in Delphi, Greece but moved to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine in the 4th-century. Today, it is situated at Sultanahmet Square in between the ancient Obelisk of Theodosius and Walled Obelisk. What you see now is only a fragment of the original monument created in 479 BC to commemorate the Greek victory over the Persian army at the Battle of Plataea. It was made from melted down Persian shields and included three serpent heads. Originally 8 metres in height the three serpent heads which topped the column were removed sometime around the end of the 17th-century. Today what you see is the bottom column fragment, bronze twisted serpent bodies which once held the three heads. One of which is on held at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. There is an information panel next to the Serpent Column if you want to learn more about its history.

The Serpent Column is a fascinating monuments you’ll find in Sultanahmet Square, right in the area of the old Byzantine Hippodrome. At first glance, it might seem modest compared to the nearby obelisks, but its history goes back more than 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul! The column was originally created in 479 BC to celebrate the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea. It once stood in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, Greece, and was later brought to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD to decorate the Hippodrome. The column was originally topped with three serpent heads that supported a golden bowl, but these were damaged and lost over time, although one serpent head is now preserved in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Even if it’s not as tall or flashy as the nearby obelisks, the Serpent Column carries an incredible story of ancient alliances, victory, and resilience — definitely worth a few moments of your visit!

Right next to the Obelisk of Theodosius, in the ancient Hippodrome, lies one of the oldest monuments in the city. It is a bronze column, very weathered by time. The most fascinating part is its history: it was brought from Delphi, Greece, where it stood at the Temple of Apollo. It was made to commemorate the Greek victory over the Persians in 479 BC. Originally, it consisted of three intertwined bronze serpents supporting a golden tripod (which has been lost). Today, the serpents' heads are also gone, but the column itself endures.

Very cool - the column is also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod. Made of bronze, it is located in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, close to the Blue Mosque. It was built to commemorate the Greeks who fought and defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea (479 BC).

Serpent Column – Istanbul, Turkey The Serpent Column (Turkish: Yılanlı Sütun) is an ancient bronze monument located in Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul — the former Hippodrome of Constantinople. It was originally built in 479 BC in Delphi, Greece, to celebrate the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea. Emperor Constantine the Great later moved it to Constantinople around 324 AD. The column once had three intertwined serpent heads, symbolizing unity and triumph. Today, only the twisted bronze base remains — an important reminder of both Greek and Byzantine history.

Like the other obelisks in the lane, it’s also one of the famous monuments in Sultanahmet Square. It’s fascinating how they built this spiral structure many years ago. It’s just in front of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia museum.

The Serpent Column also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople is located in the shadow of the blue mosque in old is gone. It is located in an open area so there is no admission ticket required. It’s a very cool site from the fourth century and was originally from the city of Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324. It was built to commemorate the Greeks who fought and defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea (479 BC) A very interesting and historic site. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the old city.

The Serpent Column in Istanbul is an ancient bronze monument originally from Delphi Greece placed in the Hippodrome by Constantine the Great and is over 2500 years old symbolizing victory over the Persians

How cool! A part of Egyptian history in the old Istanbul downtown, precisely within the heart of Sultanahmet Meydanı, part of what is called the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The Roman emperor Theodosius (the Obelisk was renamed after him) brought it over in the 4th century, but it was initially constructed under Pharaoh Thutmose III in Egypt in a temple in Luxor. Like a lot of older historical piece, the Obelisk is a bit damaged, but it fascinating to look at, so many details to discover and admire! Free to visit, a quick walk from the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, check out the Serpent Column near by and the German fountain of Wilhem II ! Lots of history around, you just need to stroll a bit around the Sultanahmet Square and try to learn about the history of this country and the world since it's so connected!

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.

Stunning is an understatement. The Obelisk of Theodosius is a masterpiece that should be treasured whenever you pass by it in the square. Make sure to view from all sides and do your best to decipher the hieroglyphs

As a fan of anything have to do with Egyptian history, I was very happy to see this ancient Egyptian obelisk at Sultanahmet Metdani in Istanbul, Turkey. I visited Turkey in 2021 and while I was at Aya Sophia I noticed this Ancient Egyptian Obelisk. It is in the middle of the park, do anyone can go see it and you don't need tickets.

Really interesting to see these around the world. They really should give it back to Egypt though. The area is very nice to walk around and get a treat from a local vendor. Thankfully they also have free restrooms nearby right before you go into the blue Mosque.

Egyptian obelisk that was removed from the tomb of Ahmun Re and on display in Rome. Moved to present location by orders of Constantine for his new capital, but delivery was delayed until Theo was emperor already. I guess delivery sucked over 1700 years ago as much as it does today. The obelisk is the enter piece of the Hippodrome. This is where horse races took place back in the day. Adjacent to Blue Mosque and right across Hagia Sophia. Don't forget to stop by when visiting the main sites.