The next gate in the Constantinian walls of Constantinople is known as the Gate of Psamathia, derived from the ancient quarter called Psamathia. The name “Psamathia” comes from the Greek word for sand, referring to the sandy area along the beach near the gate. This is similar to another gate known as Ivoum Kapoussi, or the “Sand Gate.” The name reflects the natural environment around these entrances, highlighting their proximity to the coastline Private Tour Istanbul.
Narli Kapoussi – The Pomegranate Gate
Following the Gate of Psamathia is Narli Kapoussi, which means the “Pomegranate Gate.” This gate served the quarter surrounding the famous Church and Monastery of St. John the Baptist, also known as the Studion. The Studion was founded in 463 by a Roman patrician named Studius, and it became one of the most important monastic centers of Constantinople.
Although the gate itself is never directly named in surviving records, it is clearly mentioned by Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus in his account of the annual imperial visit to the Studion. Each year, on August 29th, the emperor traveled from the Great Palace by water, arriving in his state barge at the gate. He was then received by the abbot and monks of the monastery and escorted to the religious services commemorating the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.
Armenian Chapel Outside the Gate
On the cliff just outside the Pomegranate Gate stands an Armenian chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. According to Dr. Paspates, this chapel may have originally belonged to the Studion itself, suggesting that the religious complex extended beyond the walls of the city Sources on Constantinople’s Gates.
Archaeological Discoveries – St. Diomed’s Church
Excavations conducted west of the Gas Works at Yedi Koule revealed the foundations of an ancient building. Bricks found there were stamped with the monogram of Emperor Basil I and included a portion of the name “Diomed.” These ruins mark the location of the Church and Monastery of St. Diomed.
Basil I, when he first arrived in Constantinople as a poor adventurer from Macedonia, slept on the steps of this church. The abbot’s kindness left a lasting impression on him. Later, after Basil became emperor, he rebuilt the church and monastery on a much larger scale and endowed them with generous gifts.
Remains and Pillars
A large number of pillars scattered along the nearby beach likely belonged to these religious buildings. These remains provide evidence of the size and importance of the church and monastery, reflecting both Byzantine architectural practices and the devotion of the emperors to supporting religious institutions.
The gates of Psamathia and Narli Kapoussi, along with the nearby monastic sites, illustrate the close connection between Constantinople’s fortifications, its religious life, and its imperial traditions. The Studion and the Church of St. Diomed remind us that even city gates were not merely defensive structures—they were also entry points to sacred spaces and centers of cultural and spiritual life.
