A reconstruction of the Sacred Palace, part of the Great Palace of Constantinople, as it existed by the 11th century — only a few arches and vaults remain
Made by Antoine Helbert, many more here. Here’s what what remains of the palace looks like now, and here’s an additional section razed in the 1870’s to make way for a railway (though the lions were saved). While it’s almost all gone now, we are thankfully left with many detailed contemporary descriptions, so the complex can be reconstructed with a pretty good level of confidence. Most of what can be seen here was built around the 9th-10th centuries, during which it was the main imperial residence, although the lighthouse, octagonal Chrysotriklinos (‘golden hall’) & nearby Church, terraced foundations, and some other structures are Early Byzantine (late 6th century in the second case).
The palace fell into disrepair after the mid-13th century, and was mostly destroyed in bits and pieces after the Turkish conquest of 1453. Most dramatically, Basil I’s Nea Ekklesia — the 5-domed church on the right — was used to store gunpowder by the Ottomans and blew up after being struck by lightning in 1490.
Majorianos says
Made by Antoine Helbert, many more here. Here’s what what remains of the palace looks like now, and here’s an additional section razed in the 1870’s to make way for a railway (though the lions were saved). While it’s almost all gone now, we are thankfully left with many detailed contemporary descriptions, so the complex can be reconstructed with a pretty good level of confidence. Most of what can be seen here was built around the 9th-10th centuries, during which it was the main imperial residence, although the lighthouse, octagonal Chrysotriklinos (‘golden hall’) & nearby Church, terraced foundations, and some other structures are Early Byzantine (late 6th century in the second case).
The palace fell into disrepair after the mid-13th century, and was mostly destroyed in bits and pieces after the Turkish conquest of 1453. Most dramatically, Basil I’s Nea Ekklesia — the 5-domed church on the right — was used to store gunpowder by the Ottomans and blew up after being struck by lightning in 1490.
Felshatner says
This place must have been seriously impressive.
tuuioo says
DEUS VULT
potted says
Full picture.
navibab says
Dam you ottomans
BastardStoleMyName says
This is what remains of the wall. Not exactly near water anymore, and I believe train tracks running right through it.
https://i.imgur.com/SwvsGiZ.png
JardinSurLeToit says
Awesome