Çemberlitaş Square and Column – A Roman Monument in the Heart of Istanbul

Located along the historic Divanyolu Street in Istanbul’s old city, Çemberlitaş Square and Column is one of the oldest surviving monuments from the Roman period of Constantinople. The column stands as a reminder of the time when the city was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

The monument was erected in 328 AD by Emperor Constantine the Great, the founder of Constantinople. Rising above the historic square, the column has witnessed nearly seventeen centuries of the city’s history, from the Roman and Byzantine periods to the Ottoman era and modern Istanbul.

Today, the column remains an important historical landmark located between Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, making it a common stop for visitors exploring the historic peninsula.

History of Çemberlitaş Column

Before the construction of the column, the area surrounding Çemberlitaş Square served as a cemetery during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193–211 AD).

When Constantine the Great rebuilt the city and declared it the new capital of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, he ordered the construction of a monumental column in the center of the city.

The column was erected along the Mese, the main ceremonial road of Byzantine Constantinople. This road connected important squares such as Augustaion (near Hagia Sophia) and the Hippodrome, passing through what is today known as Divanyolu Street.

The monument originally supported a statue of Emperor Constantine depicted as the Roman sun god Apollo. However, the statue was destroyed by a powerful storm in 1106.

Despite fires, earthquakes, and centuries of urban change, the column itself survived and remains standing today.

Architecture of the Çemberlitaş Column

The body of the column is composed of large porphyry stone drums, a rare purple-red stone that was widely used in imperial Roman monuments.

These massive stone blocks were transported from Rome and carefully assembled to form the towering column.

Originally, the monument stood approximately 35 meters high, including the statue that once crowned the structure.

Over time, fires damaged parts of the column and iron bands were added during the Ottoman period to strengthen the structure. These iron reinforcements gave the monument its Turkish name “Çemberlitaş,” meaning “hooped stone.”

Today, the column remains one of the few surviving Roman monuments still standing in Istanbul.

Quick Facts About Çemberlitaş Column

Location: Çemberlitaş Square, Istanbul
Built: 328 AD
Commissioned by: Emperor Constantine the Great
Original Height: Approximately 35 meters
Material: Porphyry stone
Original Statue: Emperor Constantine as Apollo
Current Status: Historic Roman monument

Best Time to Visit Çemberlitaş Square

Çemberlitaş Square can be visited at any time of the day, as it is located along one of the busiest historical streets of Istanbul.

Morning hours are often the best time to see the monument more comfortably before the surrounding streets become crowded with tourists and locals.

Because the square is close to several major attractions, many visitors include it while walking between historical landmarks.

How to Reach Çemberlitaş Column

The monument is located along Divanyolu Street, one of the main historical roads of the old city.

By Tram

The easiest way to reach the column is by taking the T1 Tram Line and getting off at Çemberlitaş Station. The monument is located directly next to the tram stop.

Walking

Visitors exploring the historic peninsula can easily reach the column on foot from nearby landmarks.

Nearby Attractions

Several important historical sites are located within walking distance of Çemberlitaş Square.

Hippodrome of Constantinople
The former center of Byzantine public life and chariot races.

Hagia Sophia
A monumental structure representing both Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.

Basilica Cistern
An underground Byzantine reservoir famous for its atmospheric columns and Medusa heads.

FAQ

What is the Çemberlitaş Column?

The Çemberlitaş Column is a Roman monument erected by Emperor Constantine the Great in 328 AD in the center of ancient Constantinople.

Why is it called Çemberlitaş?

The name means “hooped stone,” referring to the iron bands that were added to strengthen the column after damage from fires.

Where is the Çemberlitaş Column located?

The monument is located on Divanyolu Street between Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar.

What happened to the statue on top of the column?

The statue of Constantine that once stood on top of the column was destroyed by a storm in 1106.

Things to Know Before Visiting Çemberlitaş Column

• The monument is located directly next to Çemberlitaş tram station, making it easy to reach.

• The column can be seen while walking along the historic Divanyolu Street.

• The surrounding area contains many historical sites from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

• Visiting the monument can easily be combined with trips to the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square.