Serpent Column

This column is the remnant of a larger monument celebrating the victory of the Greeks over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea in 479BC. It was originally dedicated by Pausanias, the Spartan king who led the Greeks there, but when the Greeks realised that Pausanias may have plotted to betray Greece to the Persians, they rededicated it to all the Greeks. The column was placed at Delphi and originally had three serpent heads that supported a golden cauldron. The monument was removed to Constantinople by Constantine I and stood in the hippodrome of the city. The cauldron was stolen long ago, and the heads are now missing, though one is in the archaeological museum. This monument is one of the most tangible reminders of the deeds of the ancient world that we can still see today.

The Serpentine Column is a bronze work which has survived from the days of the Hippodrome. Another part of Constantine's establishing a new capital of Rome was bringing in monuments so Constantinople would have the look and feel of a capital. Dated to 4th Century AD. This is well worth seeing in itself but particularly because it is part of The Hippodrome area - A.K.A. Sultanahmet Meydani. This area hosts other historical obelisks and items as well as being on the fringes of many of the major tourist sites of Istanbul. And the Square / Park is a great place to relax and watch people or have a snack without it being a crowded area.

Ancient column, it is amazing so much of it is still standing. Part of many things to see and admire on the Hippodrome. Recommended.

It was interesting to see. It's hard to miss if you're in the Sultanahmet area, which is where all the most famous attractions are. Several shops sold small statues with the serpent heads still on the top of the column for an idea of what it originally looked like.

Worth taking a look at the Serpent Column located in the Sultanahmet square. Just behind the Blue Mosque. Bronze monument looks more greener now.