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We are planning a trip to Turkey in May, and I've received considerable help on our wider itinerary. One of the sights I'd like to see in Istanbul are the remnants of the Theodosian walls, which protected the city so well until 1453.
I've been looking in guidebooks and on the web but haven't found any advice on places to view the walls, or walk the ramparts, and would appreciate any assistance.
Thanks.
The Walls of Constantinople
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If you take the streetcar in the Sultanahmet and go toward the end of the line away from the waterfront, you will go through part of the old wall. Or if you take a local bus (as explained in the Rick Steves Itanbul guide) to see the Chora church, you will be getting off just before the old wall.
Thanks Michael. Second time you've helped on this trip!
The reason you did not find any mention of where to see the city walls in Istanbul is that they appear in many places at various states of repair or disrpair and at least five very separate places, partially restored. You can actually take a two days leisurely walk along the walls (not missing any parts) where they appear, while also seeing the other sights like the Yedikule dungeons, and the Chora church, Fezhane, topkapi Palace, Eyup, etc. in the process.
there are also a few places whereyou can climb them, but i would not advise it unless you are very athletic and are used o rock climbing. The restored parts do allow climbing but there are no safety measures.
If you like climbing ramparts, your best bet is to visit Rumeli Hisari, which is in an excellent state of repair and the ramparts plus maybe one tower is climbable, and with terrific Bosphorus views. You can reach Rumelihisari by bus from Taksim, and possibly from Eminonu also.
If you want to see the walls you must see ''Yedikule zindanları'' and ''Edirnekapı district'' there you can climb,walk,jump on the walls and take very nice pictures ...but both places are far from main sites so you better get some pro.help.If you need someone,I would recommend www.constantinopleguide.com