The Column of the Goths is located in Gülhane Park (the outer garden of Topkapı Palace) on the northeastern slope of the Acropolis of ancient Byzantion. It is located around 300 meters south of the Sarayburnu promontory, where a major Byzantine gate (known as St. Barbara Gate or the Acropolis Gate, later Turkish Top Kapı) was located. Its name derives from its inscription commemorating a successful campaign against the Goths.

The overall height of the monument, which is made entirely of Proconnesian marble, is 18.5 meters. Its shaft is 15 meters tall and rests on a tall pedestal with a socle of three steps. It is crowned with a Corinthian capital, which has sharply-cut leaves independent of each other. It also has an eagle on the abacus. It is possible the column consists of reused material.

The pedestal has a Latin inscription on its eastern side. This inscription possibly replaced an earlier Latin inscription. There is no evidence for an alleged second inscription (IC XC NIKA) on the western side of the pedestal. The inscription’s mention of a victory over Goths has led scholars to associate the column with various historical events. It is commonly accepted that it was erected by either Claudius II Gothicus (r. 268-270) or Constantine I (r. 306-337), though it has also been dated to the Theodosian and Justinianic eras.

While it is uncertain if any Byzantine literary references mention it, it is likely the column of Fortuna Redux (Tyche) that the fifth-century John Lydus attributed to Pompey, adding that the place later became a tavern. It could allow for it to be identified with the Temple of Tyche converted into a tavern mentioned by the fourth-century poet Palladas. As other pre-Constantinian temples were on the Acropolis of Byzantium, the Column of the Goths might have been located near the Sacred Way of pagan Byzantion that led from a nearby acropolis gate towards the Augustaion and Hagia Sophia. The column likely had its own forum and was located near a church dedicated to St. Nicholas. It has also been argued that the column was mentioned as being crowned by Byzas by the fourteenth-century historian Nikephoros Gregoras.

After first establishing a palace (Eski Saray) near Beyazıt Square following his conquest of Constantinople, Mehmet II moved his palace to the ancient Acropolis, where the Column of the Goths was located. It is possible he considered it a trophy recalling the antiquity of his palace’s location. As the column was located on the grounds of the sultan’s palace, it was not accessible for a long period of time. Starting in the 18th century, it was mentioned again in studies and guides to the city. It became open to the public when Gülhane Park opened in the early 20th century.