Palace of Blachernae

The Palace of Blachernae (Greek: τὸ ἐν Βλαχέρναις Παλάτιον)[1] was an imperial Roman residence in the suburb of Blachernae, located in the northwestern section of Constantinople (today located in the quarter of Ayvansaray in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey).

[2] The hill itself was partially remodelled, particularly in later times, and a number of terraces created to support the various buildings comprising the palace complex.

The latter communicated with the nearby shrine of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Mary of Blachernae through a series of staircases.

During the Second Crusade, this was the residence at which Emperor Manuel welcomed Louis VII of France and his Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

[5] Among the structures of the time, only the so-called Prison of Anemas, which formed part of the palace's substructure, still survives.