Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani)

Built in the third century, the Hippodrome served as the heart of Istanbul’s sporting entertainment during the Byzantine era, featuring a wide track for chariot racing. Today, the site is known as Sultanahmet Square, a spacious open area in the center of the old city. Ancient obelisks stand as reminders of its storied past, offering visitors a glimpse into the historical significance and grandeur of this once-thriving arena. As you walk through the square, the layout and remaining structures evoke the vibrant atmosphere that once filled the air with the thundering hooves and cheering crowds.