Serpent Column, Istanbul

Historic Site in Istanbul

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dudva

In the heart of Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by the grandeur of mosques and palaces, stands a modest yet extraordinary relic - the Serpent Column. Cast in bronze over 2,400 years ago to commemorate the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea, this ancient monument is one of the oldest surviving artifacts in Istanbul and one of the must-see places in Istanbul for anyone fascinated by antiquity. Originally topped with a golden tripod dedicated to Apollo, it once gleamed proudly at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi before being moved to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century CE to decorate his new imperial capital.

Though time has reduced it to a weathered spiral of bronze, the Serpent Column still radiates historical power. Located beside the Walled Obelisk and Egyptian Obelisk in the former Hippodrome - now Sultanahmet Square - it's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Istanbul, linking the city's Byzantine and classical pasts in a single, tangible form.

History and Significance of the Serpent Column
Things to See and Do at the Serpent Column
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting the Serpent Column
Is the Serpent Column worth visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Serpent Column
Nearby Attractions to the Serpent Column

History and Significance of the Serpent Column

The Serpent Column, also known as the Tripod of Plataea, was created in 479 BCE from the melted-down weapons of defeated Persian soldiers. It symbolized the unity of 31 Greek city-states who joined forces against the Persian Empire during the Persian Wars. The intertwined serpents supported a golden cauldron, a tribute to Apollo at Delphi.

When Emperor Constantine the Great established Constantinople as his new capital in the early 4th century CE, he sought to adorn it with art and relics from across the empire. The Serpent Column was brought from Delphi and placed in the center of the Hippodrome - the grand stadium for chariot races and imperial ceremonies. Though the original golden cauldron was likely never moved, the bronze column stood proudly for centuries until the early 1700s, when the three serpent heads that once crowned it were broken off. Fragments of these heads are now preserved in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, offering a rare glimpse into one of antiquity's most symbolic masterpieces.

Things to See and Do at the Serpent Column

Today, visitors can view the Serpent Column from ground level in Sultanahmet Square, positioned between the Egyptian Obelisk and the Walled Obelisk - remnants of the Hippodrome's central spine. Though only about 5 meters of the column remain, its twisted bronze coils are remarkably well preserved, bearing the patina of centuries. A closer look reveals the faint outlines of the serpents' bodies spiraling upward, a powerful echo of Greece's triumph and Constantinople's imperial ambition.

If you visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, look for 18th- and 19th-century paintings that depict the Serpent Column in its complete form, with the intertwined heads still intact. It's a striking reminder of how ancient art once defined both Greek devotion and Byzantine display. Standing beside this monument, you're literally at the crossroads of three civilizations - Greek, Roman, and Ottoman - all layered into the living fabric of Istanbul.

How to Get There

The Serpent Column stands in Sultanahmet Square, the former Hippodrome of Constantinople, just steps from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The easiest way to reach it is by taking the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet station, a short two-minute walk away. For those arriving by train, Sirkeci railway station is about 15 minutes on foot. You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Turkey’s national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Turkey and the rest of Europe — all in one place. Limited parking is available near the Cankurtaran and Kennedy Avenue areas for those driving. If you are looking to rent a car in Turkey I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Serpent Column

Best time to visit the Serpent Column: Morning or late afternoon for good lighting and fewer crowds.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Accessible 24 hours as part of Sultanahmet Square.
Official website: None; part of the open-air monuments in Sultanahmet.
How long to spend: 15-20 minutes, or longer when exploring nearby monuments.
Accessibility: Fully accessible via paved walkways.
Facilities: Benches, cafés, and rest areas nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the column with the Blue Mosque or Egyptian Obelisk behind it for scale and contrast.
Guided tours: Included in most historical walking tours of the Old City.
Nearby food options: Street food stalls and restaurants along the tram line serving Turkish specialties.

Is the Serpent Column worth visiting?

Yes. The Serpent Column may not tower above the city like other monuments, but it carries immense historical weight. As a link between the ancient Greek world and Byzantine Constantinople, it represents the endurance of human artistry and symbolism. For history enthusiasts, it's one of the top sights in Istanbul - a humble yet powerful survivor of two and a half millennia.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (904)

Serpent Column, set in Sultanahmet Square in the old Hippodrome, is an ancient bronze monument originally created to commemorate the Greek victory at Plataea; today you'll see the weathered, twisted bronze base of the column—once topped by three intertwined serpent heads that supported a lost golden tripod—situated between the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Walled Obelisk, with one serpent head preserved in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum and an information panel on site.

Stefan

a month ago

"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!..."

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Brad

2 months ago

"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...."

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Luana Bedin

a month ago

"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, veryweathered 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...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Serpent Column

Yes, it’s the same bronze column that once stood in the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi.

They were damaged in the 18th century; fragments are displayed at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

No, it’s fenced off for preservation, but you can view it closely from all sides.

No, it’s located in a public square and free to visit.

Yes, informational plaques are placed nearby in multiple languages.

Nearby Attractions to the Serpent Column

Walled Obelisk - A 10th-century monument built of stone, once adorned with bronze plaques.
Egyptian Obelisk - A 3,500-year-old monument from Luxor, brought to Constantinople by Theodosius I.
Hagia Sophia - The city's defining architectural masterpiece just steps away.
Blue Mosque - Istanbul's iconic 17th-century mosque facing the Hippodrome.
German Fountain - A 19th-century gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II marking Ottoman-German friendship.

The Serpent Column appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Istanbul!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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