Museum of The Great Palace of Constantinople

Nowadays only fragments are left from this masterpiece of antique architecture. In the past The Great Palace of Constantinople was a huge and grand creation...

Sacred Palace

The Great Palace also known as the Sacred Palace has been the residence of the Byzantian Emperors during the period of 800 years. The founder of this palace was Constantine I, he planned it for himself and his heirs. In the time of Justinian II and Theophilus the palace was rebuilt and expanded several times. Justinian II has restored palace’s construction which was destroyed by fire during the Nika riots.

Best years

After the fire the territory of the palace was expanded. The building was decorated with white terraces, columns, the ground was paved with marble. Near the building on a bronze column there was raised up a statue of the Emperor Justinian. Also, according to the Emperor’s order on the building there were restored the marble ornaments which were injured during the fire. The whole imperial residence was rebuilt. According to the words of historians, the palace was the most beautiful building of those times.

Decay of a palace

After Justinian the palace was left empty and forgotten. Imperial families were choosing other palaces for living. The last resident of the palace was Baldwin II, he sold the lead roof of the palace because of the lack of money. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 almost the whole palace was destroyed. Only the church was rebuilt into gunpowder warehouse which has blown up in 1490. Only Boukoleon Palace remained till our days.
In 20th century during the excavations there were found the fragments of the Great Palace of Constantinople.The fragments included prison cells, burial places, halls with mosaic floor.