Istanbul Land Walls: the gates, the 1453 conquest and a walk along the walls
- Monuments and historic landmarks
- From Yedikule to Ayvansaray, on the Fatih–Zeytinburnu boundary
- Free
Family hotels closest to Istanbul Land Walls
Visitor information
| Type | Byzantine land walls |
|---|---|
| Built | 413 (repaired in later centuries) |
| Commissioned by / architect | In the reign of Emperor Theodosius II |
| Neighbourhood | From Yedikule to Ayvansaray, on the Fatih–Zeytinburnu boundary |
| Opening hours | Open-air site; can be seen at any time of day |
| Admission | The outside of the walls and the parks around them are free; Yedikule Fortress and some towers have separate tickets |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours for one section, a full day for the whole length |
| Getting there | T1 Topkapı stop (Topkapı gate); buses to Edirnekapı; Marmaray Kazlıçeşme (Yedikule) |
| From Sultanahmet Square | 6.4 km; a long walk, public transport recommended |
| Pushchair / stroller | Difficult; a baby carrier is better. The paths at the foot of the walls are uneven and hilly in places; climbing onto the walls can be dangerous for children |
| Best time | On a cool morning in spring or autumn |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
Structure and history of the walls
As the city grew westwards, a new line of walls was built under Theodosius II, about 1.5 kilometres west of Constantine’s walls. Sections destroyed in the earthquake of 447 were rebuilt in two months because of the threat from the Huns, and a second wall and a moat were added in front. The inner wall had 96 large towers. This line withstood every siege from land except the Crusader occupation of 1204. On 29 May 1453 the Ottoman army, having battered the walls with artillery, broke through around Topkapı (the Gate of St Romanus in Byzantine times) and entered the city.
The main gates
- The Golden Gate and Yedikule: The emperors’ triumphal gate; today it lies inside Yedikule Fortress.
- Belgrade Gate and Silivri Gate: Gates in the southern section of the walls that are still in use today.
- Mevlevihane Gate: Takes its name from the nearby Mevlevi dervish lodge.
- Topkapı: The area where the conquest took place; opposite it is the Panorama 1453 History Museum.
- Edirnekapı: The gate through which Mehmed the Conqueror entered the city after the conquest; next to it is the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.
- Eğrikapı and Ayvansaray: The northern end where the walls come down to the Golden Horn; the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus is in this section.
A short wall walk for families
Walking the whole length of the walls takes a full day and is hard going in places. For families with children, the most enjoyable section is the roughly 1.5-kilometre stretch from Topkapı to Edirnekapı. Start by getting off the T1 tram at the Topkapı stop and visiting the Panorama 1453 Museum, walk north along the walls to Edirnekapı and finish by seeing the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Kariye Mosque. You can take breaks in the green spaces and market gardens outside the walls. The stairs up onto the walls are steep and have no railings; we do not recommend climbing them with children.
Visiting tips
- Walk outside the walls: it is flatter and the double line of the walls is easier to see.
- Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes; some sections have little shade and few shops.
- Do not walk along deserted sections of the walls after dark.
- Finishing the Topkapı–Edirnekapı walk with a visit to the Kariye Mosque makes a good half-day plan.
Our family hotels near Istanbul Land Walls
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
Istanbul Land Walls: 83 min walk (5.8 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Istanbul Land Walls: 83 min walk (5.8 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Istanbul Land Walls: 83 min walk (5.8 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Istanbul Land Walls: 84 min walk (5.9 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
How long are the Istanbul city walls?
The land walls run about 6.5 kilometres from Yedikule on the Sea of Marmara to Ayvansaray on the Golden Horn. Together with the sea walls, the walls surrounding the city total more than 20 kilometres.
Through which gate did Mehmed the Conqueror enter Istanbul?
The Ottoman army broke through the walls around Topkapı; Mehmed the Conqueror is held to have entered the city through Edirnekapı on the day of the conquest.
