İznik Surları

Construction of the city walls began in the 4th century BC, during the Bithynian period; they took their present form with additions in the Roman and Byzantine periods. They are 4,970 meters long and 10-13 meters high. There are 114 round and square-plan towers and 12 secondary gates.

The UNESCO Tentative List dossier states that the first phase was built in the late Roman period, probably from 258 onward, against Gothic attacks, and that construction phases date to the 7th, 10th, and 12th centuries. It can be seen that each period reused stones from earlier structures.

Visit note: Some sections and gates of the city walls remain standing, while other sections have collapses and gaps; some sections require restoration. Admission fee and hours are not stated in the sources.

The information in this listing was compiled from the following sources:

• iznik.gov.tr/iznik-surlari
• visitbursa.org/tr/mekanlar/iznik-surlari-ve-kapilari-495
• whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5900/

The information was verified on the date of compilation. We recommend calling the venue before your visit.

Cover image: Wikimedia Commons · Haluk Comertel · CC BY 3.0