Feb 27, 2025

Maiden's Column Legends Istanbul

Column of Marcian

"The "Maiden's Column" in Istanbul has quite a number of legends attached to it. It's said to have talismanic powers, so do look out for it!"

Imagine a quadruple crossroad in the middle of the city, off the beaten path where you don't get to see a lot of tourists. There stands a perfect column that is hidden from your normal perspective unless you know what you are looking for. This a column erected to honour the Emperor Flavius Marcianus Augustu (450-57). This is one of the unique intact columns that has lasted for a long time. Of course it has lived through various earthquakes and fires. But it's still intact and a gem to experience.

The real deal is that it is believed to have talismanic powers. In the old days (during Paganism) it was believed that the column possessed the power of being able to distinguish true virgins from the false ones. As a structure it's a fabulous unique figure, a hidden beauty and with the talismanic package it's absolutely a fabulous column.

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Art & culture

About this spot

Column of Marcian

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