One of the main objectives of my travels in Istanbul was to witness the Wall of Constantinople (Theodosian Walls). I was not disappointed.
Built by Constantine The Great during the fourth to the fifth century, the Walls of Constantinople have stood guard for 1600 years. Built with limestone blocks, it stands roughly 5 meters thick and 12 meters high.
Originally with 96 towers with which to observe the surrounding land and seascape, only 62 remain intact. Five gates decided entry to the old Byzantine capital; two of which survive, including the ornate Golden Gate. Earthquakes, floods, and steady pilferage of the stone blocks for construction have certainly taken their toll over the centuries.
Since the 1980s, Turkey has been busy preserving the Walls for posterity. As I walked along the miles of remaining towers and bulwarks, in many spots constriction crews performed restoration and maintenance on large sections.
The handiwork and care of the Turks are evident in some of the completely restored sections. In many areas, parts of the Wall of Constantinople have been incorporated into more modern structures.
While I find this blend of modern and ancient architecture intriguing, it is easy to understand why this would happen. If the immortal Theodosian Walls have stood for this long, I might as well attach my more mortal fortunes to it.
As this informational marker details, Constantine The Great incorporated the much smaller Theodosian Walls into his great Wall of Constantinople after his conquest of the Byzantine Empire.
I thoroughly enjoyed my march around the city, encountering the Wall of Constantinople left both crumbling in short sections and in long, impressive, restored straights.
The best part of this tour is that viewing the wall, towers, and gates is absolutely free and the walk beneficial to one's health. The Sea of Marmara sparkles across the highway separating sea and stone. A sidewalk provides safe passage to those hardy enough for the journey.
Cheers!