The Basilica Cistern is a magnificent underground structure located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. This ancient cistern was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I and was used to store water for the city's residents. The cistern is an impressive feat of engineering, with a capacity of over 80,000 cubic meters of water.
The Basilica Cistern is accessed through a small entrance in the courtyard of a mosque, and visitors descend a flight of stairs to reach the underground chamber. The cistern is dimly lit, with soft lighting illuminating the columns and arches that support the roof. The atmosphere is cool and damp, and the sound of dripping water echoes throughout the chamber.
The most striking feature of the Basilica Cistern is the forest of columns that rise from the water. There are 336 columns in total, each over 8 meters tall, and they are arranged in rows of 12. The columns are made of various materials, including marble and granite, and are topped with ornate capitals. Some of the columns are even recycled from earlier structures, with carvings and inscriptions visible on their surfaces.
One of the most famous features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads that are used as column bases. These are believed to have been brought from an earlier pagan temple and are now positioned upside down and sideways. It is said that if you look into the eyes of the Medusa heads, you will be turned to stone.
Visitors to the Basilica Cistern can walk along raised platforms that run through the water, allowing them to get up close to the columns and appreciate the scale of the structure. The cistern is also home to a variety of fish, which swim in the shallow water and add to the otherworldly atmosphere.
Overall, the Basilica Cistern is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Istanbul. Its impressive scale, intricate architecture, and mysterious atmosphere make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM,
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM,
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM,
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM,
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM,
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM,
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
