Serpent Column (Yilani Sütun)
Meydanı Caddesi 53, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey, 34122
The Serpent Column, also known as the Delphi Tripod (Yilani Sütun), is a 2,500-year-old bronze work located at the center of Sultanahmet Square, where the Hippodrome of Constantinople once stood. The column was originally part of a sacrificial tripod until the Romans moved to its current location to adorn the horse racing stadium.
The basics
While the column’s intertwined serpent heads are long gone, visiting the landmark with a guide can bring the monument’s history to life. Most tours of Istanbul’s historic district include a stop at the column and the square’s other landmarks. Many excursions include visits to nearby attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Things to know before you go
The Serpent Column is situated outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.
The site is wheelchair accessible, but there are some uneven surfaces to be aware of.
Be aware of scams and pickpocketing in Sultanahmet Square.
Several other notable attractions surround the Serpent Column, so plan to spend a few hours exploring the area.
There is no admission to visit Sultanahmet Square (the Hippodrome) and its other landmarks.
How to get there
The Serpent Column is conveniently located in Istanbul's historic district. The most convenient way to get there is by using public transportation. Take the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet station or a bus to the Sultanahmet stop and walk from there. Taxis are also available. Remember that although many small parking lots are in the area, they fill up fast, especially in the summer.
When to get there
Sultanahmet Square, where the Serpent Column is located, is open to visitors seven days a week, every day of the year. As the unshaded area is very popular with tourists, it is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat. The site is busiest during the peak travel season, which runs from June to August.
Underground mysteries are a stone’s throw away
While the Hippodrome of Constantinople is long gone, another of the city’s great monuments erected during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565 CE) still stands…sort of. Just a few minutes walk from the Serpent Column, submerged 30 feet (9 meters) underground, visitors will find the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici). Walk down the attraction’s 52 stone steps and enter a world of legends, cinematic classics, and overlooked history.
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