The palace and bay located to the east of Tchatlady Kapou are widely considered to be the Palace and Harbour of Hormisdas. This conclusion is supported by several important points. Firstly, the area lies very close to the district historically known as Hormisdas. The Church of SS. Sergius and Bacchus, also called Kutchuk Aya Sophia, was located just west of the gate and firmly within the Hormisdas district. It would be surprising if a palace and harbour so near this area were not associated with the name of Hormisdas Istanbul Old City Tours.
Corroboration from Historical Sources
Several historical sources confirm this identification. Procopius, in his De Aedificiis, describes the Palace of Hormisdas as the residence of Justinian, situated near both the Church of SS. Sergius and the Great Palace. The palace at Tchatlady Kapou matches this description, lying below the Great Palace and close to the church. John of Ephesus also mentions that the Palace of Hormisdas was located below the main imperial residence, further supporting the identification of this site.
Additionally, the architectural style provides strong evidence. Pieces of marble and sculptured capitals that have fallen from the palace into the water resemble the decorative work found in the Church of SS. Sergius and Bacchus, which was built under Justinian’s patronage. This similarity suggests that the palace was contemporary with Justinian’s reign and consistent with his architectural style.
Observations by Later Travelers
Later travelers also confirm this identification. In 1422, Bondelmontius visited Constantinople and recorded seeing a large palace on the city walls near the Marmora shore. He noted: “Beyond Condoscali (Koum Kapoussi) was the very large Palace of Justinian upon the city walls.” This description corresponds closely to the location and remains of the palace at Tchatlady Kapou, reinforcing the view that it was indeed the Palace of Hormisdas.
Taken together, the location, historical descriptions, architectural evidence, and observations by travelers all indicate that the palace and bay east of Tchatlady Kapou should be identified as the Palace and Harbour of Hormisdas. Its proximity to the Church of SS. Sergius and Bacchus, its placement below the Great Palace, and the style of the fallen marble all strongly support this conclusion. This identification resolves earlier uncertainties and aligns with the evidence provided by Venetian envoy Pietro Zen, who carefully documented the nearby Harbour of the Bucoleon Distinguishing the Harbours of Julian and Hormisdas.
By placing the Palace of Hormisdas here, historians can better understand the topography of Byzantine Constantinople, the relationship of its imperial residences, and the architectural continuity from Justinian’s time to later centuries.
