The 7 Hills of Istanbul: Everything You Need to Know
Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Among its many fascinating features is the city's distinctive topography—built upon what is historically known as the 7 hills of Istanbul. This geographical characteristic has shaped the city's development for centuries and contributes to the spectacular skyline that defines Istanbul today.
Much like Rome, Istanbul's seven hills have played a crucial role in the city's historical narrative, with each summit hosting significant religious, political, and cultural institutions. Understanding the 7 hills of Istanbul provides a framework for appreciating how this magnificent city evolved from its Byzantine beginnings through the Ottoman era into the modern metropolis we know today.
Why is Istanbul Called the City of 7 Hills?
The tradition of identifying Istanbul by its 7 hills dates back to the Byzantine period when Constantinople (as Istanbul was then known) was consciously modeled after Rome, the original city of seven hills. When the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453, they embraced this tradition, further emphasizing the 7 hills of Istanbul by crowning each summit with an imperial mosque complex.
This urban planning strategy was not merely aesthetic but deeply symbolic. By constructing magnificent mosques on each hill, Ottoman sultans demonstrated Islam's triumph while preserving the city's historical identity as a city of seven hills. These mosque complexes served as social welfare centers, providing education, healthcare, and public services to the surrounding communities.
The 7 hills of Istanbul are all located within the historical peninsula (modern Fatih district), the triangular promontory bounded by the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara. This area, once the entirety of Byzantine Constantinople, forms the heart of historical Istanbul and contains most of the city's most famous landmarks.
Overview of Each Hill
First Hill: The Ancient Acropolis
Location: Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point)
The first of the 7 hills of Istanbul rises at the easternmost tip of the historical peninsula, where the Bosphorus meets the Sea of Marmara. This hill housed the original acropolis of ancient Byzantium and later became the site of the greatest imperial palace complex in medieval Europe.
Major landmarks:
Topkapı Palace - The primary residence of Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years
Hagia Sophia - Originally a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) - Famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles
Archaeology Museums - Housing over one million artifacts from various civilizations
The first hill represents the political and religious core of both Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul. Standing at Seraglio Point offers spectacular views where two continents and two seas meet, making it clear why this location was chosen as the foundation for a great capital city.
Second Hill: The Forum of Constantine
Location: Çemberlitaş and Beyazıt
The second of the 7 hills of Istanbul rises northwest of the first hill and was the site of the Forum of Constantine, established when the city became the capital of the Roman Empire.
Major landmarks:
Column of Constantine - Also known as the Burnt Column or Çemberlitaş
Grand Bazaar - One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets
Beyazıt Square - Historic gathering place and site of Beyazıt Tower
Istanbul University - The main campus occupies the former site of the Byzantine Ministry of War
This hill represents Constantinople's transformation from a Greek colony into an imperial capital. The Column of Constantine marked the center of the new Christian Roman capital, and fragments of ancient statuary and religious relics were reportedly embedded within it.
Third Hill: The Forum of Theodosius
Location: Beyazıt to Aksaray
Moving further west along the peninsula, the third of the 7 hills of Istanbul was the location of the Forum of Theodosius during the Byzantine era.
Major landmarks:
Süleymaniye Mosque - Sinan's masterpiece and one of the most important Ottoman architectural achievements
Old Book Bazaar (Sahaflar Çarşısı) - Istanbul's literary heart for centuries
Beyazıt Mosque Complex - One of the earliest imperial mosque complexes in the city
The Süleymaniye Mosque, crowning this hill, represents the pinnacle of Ottoman architectural achievement. Built for Suleiman the Magnificent, its commanding position makes its silhouette visible from many parts of the city, especially from the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Fourth Hill: The Church of the Holy Apostles
Location: Fatih district
The fourth among the 7 hills of Istanbul was once crowned by the Church of the Holy Apostles, which served as the burial place for Byzantine emperors for nearly a millennium.
Major landmarks:
Fatih Mosque Complex- Built by Mehmed the Conqueror on the site of the Church of the Holy Apostles
Fatih Municipal Building - Center of local government
Women's Market (Kadınlar Pazarı) - Traditional market known for specialty foods from eastern Turkey
This hill symbolizes the Ottoman transformation of Byzantine Constantinople. When Mehmed II conquered the city, he carefully chose this site for his own imperial mosque, deliberately replacing the Byzantine imperial mausoleum with a complex that would establish new Islamic traditions in the city.
Fifth Hill: The Cistern of Aspar
Location: Yavuz Selim/Çarşamba
The fifth of the 7 hills of Istanbul rises above the Golden Horn and is named after a massive Byzantine-era open-air water reservoir.
Major landmarks:
Yavuz Selim Mosque - Built by Suleiman the Magnificent in honor of his father
Fethiye Museum - Former Byzantine Church of Pammakaristos
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate - Headquartered nearby in Fener district
This hill offers some of the most authentic neighborhoods in Istanbul, with traditional wooden Ottoman houses and Byzantine churches converted to mosques. The area remains less touristed than other parts of the historical peninsula but offers rich rewards for culturally curious visitors.
Sixth Hill: Edirnekapi
Location: Western edge of the old city walls
The sixth among the 7 hills of Istanbul rises near the ancient land walls and served as a strategic defensive position throughout history.
Major landmarks:
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque - One of two mosques built for Suleiman's beloved daughter
Chora Church (Kariye Museum) - Famous for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes
Tekfur Palace - A rare surviving example of Byzantine palace architecture
This hill offers spectacular views across the Golden Horn to the northern parts of the city. The Chora Church contains some of the finest Byzantine art to survive the Ottoman conquest, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
Seventh Hill: Avcilar
Location: Kocamustafapaşa/Cerrahpaşa
The seventh of the 7 hills of Istanbul rises in the southwestern part of the historical peninsula.
Major landmarks:
Cerrahpaşa Medical Complex - Built on the site of Byzantine palaces
Kocamustafapaşa Mosque - Former Byzantine monastery converted to a mosque
Bulgarian St. Stephen Church - Famous "Iron Church" made of prefabricated cast iron
This hill is less visited by tourists but offers authentic local neighborhoods where traditional Istanbul life continues relatively unchanged. The area contains hidden Byzantine cisterns, converted churches, and numerous small mosques that reward exploration.
Comparison with Other 7-Hill Cities
Istanbul is not alone in claiming the distinction of being built on seven hills. This geographical feature has acquired symbolic significance in several major cities worldwide:
Rome: The original city of seven hills, whose topography allegedly inspired Constantinople's urban planners
Lisbon: Known as "A Cidade das Sete Colinas" with hills that shape its distinctive neighborhoods
Jerusalem: Where religious significance is attached to each summit
San Francisco: Famous for its steep streets traversing seven prominent hills
What makes the 7 hills of Istanbul unique is how they chronicle the city's transition between empires and religions. Unlike Rome, where the seven hills mostly lost their individual significance over time, Istanbul's summits continued to gain new layers of meaning with each passing century. The Ottoman practice of crowning each hill with an imperial mosque created a distinctive skyline that perfectly blends natural topography with human architecture.
Another unique aspect of the 7 hills of Istanbul is their concentration within the historical peninsula, creating a compact area where visitors can trace 2,500 years of urban development within relatively short distances. This density of historical sites in a walkable area makes Istanbul's seven hills particularly accessible for cultural exploration.
Visiting the 7 Hills Today
Exploring the 7 hills of Istanbul offers a thematic framework for discovering the city's many layers of history. Here are practical tips for visitors wanting to experience this aspect of Istanbul:
Transportation Options
Walking Tour: The most immersive way to experience the seven hills is on foot, though be prepared for steep climbs
Public Transportation: Istanbul's tram line T1 connects many sites on the first three hills
Hop-on Hop-off Buses: Several companies offer routes that pass major landmarks on most of the hills
Guided Tours: Many companies offer specialized "Seven Hills of Istanbul" tours with knowledgeable guides
Best Viewpoints
For spectacular panoramas across multiple hills:
Galata Tower – Offers the perfect vantage point to appreciate the 7 hills of Istanbul skyline
Pierre Loti Cafe – Elevated position offering views across the Golden Horn to the historical peninsula
Çamlıca Hill – On the Asian side, providing a unique perspective on the European side's hills
Rooftop restaurants – Especially in Sultanahmet, ideal for panoramic views at sunset
Suggested Itinerary
While seeing all 7 hills of Istanbul thoroughly would require several days, here's a condensed itinerary:
Day 1: Hills 1-3
Morning: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia (First Hill)
Lunch: Near Çemberlitaş
Afternoon: Grand Bazaar and walk to Süleymaniye Mosque (Second and Third Hills)
Day 2: Hills 4-7
Morning: Fatih Mosque and neighborhood (Fourth Hill)
Midday: Fener and Balat districts near the Fifth Hill
Afternoon: Chora Church on the Sixth Hill
Evening: Authentic local dinner in Kocamustafapaşa (Seventh Hill)
Hidden Gems Near Each Hill
First Hill: Little Hagia Sophia (Küçük Ayasofya Camii)
Second Hill: Binbirdirek Cistern
Third Hill: Süleymaniye Hamam
Fourth Hill: Kariye Mahallesi's Ottoman houses
Fifth Hill: Phanar Greek Orthodox College
Sixth Hill: Belgrade Forest Gate
Seventh Hill: Multiple hidden Byzantine cisterns
FAQ Section
Are all 7 hills in the old city (historical peninsula)? Yes, all of the traditional 7 hills of Istanbul are located within the historical peninsula, in what is now the Fatih district. This area was the entirety of Byzantine Constantinople and the core of Ottoman Istanbul.
Can you visit all the 7 hills in a single day? While technically possible, it would be very rushed. A minimum of two days is recommended for basic exploration; 3–4 days for deeper historical engagement.
What is the most famous hill in Istanbul? The First Hill, home to Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet, is the most iconic. The Third Hill, with the Süleymaniye Mosque, is also architecturally and visually significant.
When did Istanbul become known as the "City of Seven Hills"? The identity solidified during the early Ottoman period, when imperial mosque complexes were built on each hill, establishing a symbolic and visible legacy.
Conclusion
The 7 hills of Istanbul provide more than scenic viewpoints—they serve as a guide to understanding the layered history of a city that has been home to emperors, sultans, and countless cultures. Each hill adds a distinct chapter to the story of how Istanbul has evolved, survived, and flourished through the centuries.
Exploring them isn't just a walk through geography—it's a journey through time and civilization. From the heights of Topkapı to the slopes of Kocamustafapaşa, the seven hills remind us why Istanbul remains one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
