The Walls of Istanbul — Attraction in Eyüpsultan

Incredible Facts About the Walls of Constantinople (Istanbul City Walls) Ancient Origins 🏛️ The first walls were built in 330 AD by Emperor Constantine I to protect the city of Constantinople. Impenetrable Defense 🛡️ The walls stood strong for over 1,000 years, successfully repelling numerous attacks, including those by the Avars, Persians, and Arabs. Triple Protection System 🔗 The Theodosian Walls, built in the 5th century, featured three layers: an inner wall, an outer wall, and a wide moat. Massive Length 🌐 Stretching over 22 kilometers, the walls encircled the historical peninsula of Istanbul. Iconic Golden Gate 🏰 The Golden Gate, built of marble, was the ceremonial entrance for Byzantine emperors and a symbol of power. Fall of Constantinople ⚔️ The walls were finally breached by the Ottomans in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. Architectural Marvel 🏗️ The inner wall was 5 meters thick and 12 meters high, with 96 towers strategically placed for defense. UNESCO Heritage 🌍 The walls are part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Restoration Efforts 🔧 Several sections have been restored in recent decades, preserving their historical and cultural significance. Tourist Attraction 🌟 Visitors can explore key sections, including Yedikule Fortress, which offers stunning views of the city and...

Istanbul truly surprised me — in the best way. A city where east meets west, history dances with modern life, and every corner tells a story. The architecture is breathtaking, the weather was just perfect (cool breeze, golden light), and honestly? I fell in love with every street.

The food? Incredible. From warm, flaky börek to rich Turkish coffee and juicy kebabs — every meal was a highlight, and the best part? It’s affordable. You can eat like royalty without breaking the bank. 🍢🥙☕

Transportation is super convenient. Trams, ferries, metro — everything runs smoothly and it’s easy to get around even if it’s your first visit.

What really made it special, though, was the vibe. The people are kind, welcoming, and full of life. You don’t feel like a tourist — you feel invited.

If you’re dreaming of a destination that blends culture, comfort, and unforgettable flavors…...

Most of the walls are in terrible shape and little or no maintenance is being done. Many sections were restored during the 1980s, with financial support from UNESCO, but the restoration program has been criticized for destroying historical evidence, focusing on superficial restoration, the use of inappropriate materials and poor quality of work. During the 1999 earthquakes restored sections collapsed while the original structure underneath remained intact. Along the wall several areas are littered with garbage and broken glass. The only thing I saw that was clean was a small kids playground on the corner. Don't go out of your way for this section of the wall. You'll be disappointed. (If you want to see an incredibly preserved wall with a fascinating history, go to the island of Rhodes and visit Old Town. Well worth the trip for...