Aqueduct of Valens (Bozdoğan Kemeri): a 1,650-year-old waterway
- Monuments and historic landmarks
- Saraçhane–Unkapanı, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Aqueduct of Valens
Visitor information
| Type | Roman aqueduct |
|---|---|
| Built | Completed in 368 |
| Commissioned by / architect | Emperor Valens |
| Neighbourhood | Saraçhane–Unkapanı, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Open-air site; can be seen at any time of day |
| Admission | Free (open-air site) |
| Time needed | 20–30 min |
| Getting there | M2 Vezneciler stop 10 min; Saraçhane bus stops 3 min |
| From Sultanahmet Square | 2.8 km; a long walk, public transport recommended |
| Pushchair / stroller | Partly suitable. The Saraçhane Park side is level; take care crossing the boulevard under the aqueduct |
| Best time | At sunset, from Saraçhane Park |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
History of the aqueduct
Because Istanbul had no adequate water sources of its own, in Roman and Byzantine times water was brought from Thrace through channels hundreds of kilometres long. The Aqueduct of Valens is the last link where this system entered the city: it carried the channel across the valley between two hills, delivering water to the cisterns and fountains of the city. Still used in the Ottoman period, it was repaired under Suleiman the Magnificent, linked to Mimar Sinan’s waterworks, and carried water until the 19th century. Its highest point is about 29 metres.
Where to see it and how to visit
The most impressive view of the aqueduct is the section where it crosses Atatürk Boulevard. From Saraçhane Park or in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building you can easily watch the section spanning the boulevard. Walking along Kıztaşı and Bozdoğan streets beneath the aqueduct is also a good chance to see old Istanbul neighbourhoods. You cannot climb onto the aqueduct.
What is nearby?
The aqueduct is right next to the Şehzade Mosque. Walking north you reach the Zeyrek Mosque and the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, and walking south-east the Süleymaniye Mosque. The Fatih Mosque is also a 10-minute walk away.
Visiting tips
- In photos taken from Saraçhane Park at sunset, the aqueduct glows orange in the light.
- The boulevard under the aqueduct has heavy traffic; use the pedestrian crossings.
- You can plan a “Mimar Sinan walk” together with the Şehzade and Süleymaniye mosques.
Our family hotels near Aqueduct of Valens
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Aqueduct of Valens: 35 min walk (2.4 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Aqueduct of Valens: 35 min walk (2.5 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Aqueduct of Valens: 36 min walk (2.5 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Aqueduct of Valens: 36 min walk (2.5 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
What was the Aqueduct of Valens used for?
The aqueduct carried water from Thrace across the valley between the Fatih and Beyazıt hills to the cisterns and fountains of the city. It was used until the 19th century.
How do you get to the Aqueduct of Valens?
You can walk from Sultanahmet via Beyazıt in about 30 minutes. You can also take a bus passing through Saraçhane, or walk 10 minutes from the Vezneciler stop of the M2 metro.
