Conrad III as he approached the City with increasing despair, came to the beautiful hunting lodge of the Philopation, burst in and destroyed most of it, under the eyes of Manuel I, whose palace (Blachernai) had a good view in that direction. From there Conrad saw that the city was impregnable, then crossed the bridge above the Golden Horn and camped at Pikridion. The Byzantines were amazed to see female crusaders riding astride, especially the specaciular "Chrysopous".