The Augustaion was a public square surrounded by colonnades on the south side of the Hagia Sophia. It was accessible from the main street, the Mese, that led to the Chalke gate of the Great Palace. Although the Hagia Sophia had an atrium on its west side, the Augustaion mostly served as its forecourt instead because of its more central position. On its western side stood the Column of Justinian. The Augustaion remained intact at least until 1204.