Bozdoğan Aqueduct - Free Audio Guide

The Bozdoğan Su Kemeri (Valens Aqueduct) in Istanbul is a Roman‑era stone aqueduct largely completed in the late 4th century under Emperor Valens and later maintained and modified during Byzantine and Ottoman eras. It functioned as a principal water supply for Constantinople and represents a notable example of imperial engineering and urban infrastructure. The monument presents long sequences of arches, alternating single and double tiers, visible repairs and later additions that reflect the city’s layered development. Significant features include the monumental arcade stretches, masonry craftsmanship and the aqueduct’s integration within the historic Fatih quarter. It is generally visible from surrounding streets and public spaces; formal entrances and charges are not typically part of its viewing, though accessibility and local conditions differ by section. Its cultural value stems from illustrating ancient service, continuous urban adaptation and architectural endurance.