Valenta aqueduct

One of the main symbols of Istanbul - Valenta aqueduct attracts with its beauty not only tourists, but local people as well.

The history of the building

This place has always been one of the main sights of the city. Valenta aqueduct is a part of Istanbul’s water pipe system and an important symbol of the city. It is located in the old city, at Ataturk avenue. It was created in olden times, in the period of Valent emperor’s rule, approximately in 368-75. The aqueduct was an extremely important step in the development of water pipe system of Constantinople city, as it connected two city hills. The initial length of the aqueduct was one thousand meters, and its maximum length achieved 26 meters.
The part of the aqueduct that has been preserved till nowadays is 971 meters long and has the same height that used to be before. The parameters of the construction were changed because of increase of land level that had happened at the territory of the city. The stone from Chalcedon walls were used for the construction of the aqueduct. And the lead pipes, placed over its top were supplying the city with water up to the middle of XIX century.

The aqueduct today

Today the aqueduct is one of the most important touristic sights of Istanbul, that raises above the lively automotive highway – Ataturk avenue. At night the construction is illuminated and due to this the aqueduct acquires a charming view and attracts crowds of admiring amateurs of beauty and romance.