Name: Basilica Cistern
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Telephone: (0212) 512 15 70
Rating: 4.6

Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.

Istanbul's Historic Treasures: A Journey Through Time #1

The Blue Mosque

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Sultanahmet Square

Igor Kaplan

Ank Kumar

Ilya Malkin

Vedant Chavan

Beem Keeratithananun

Obelisk of Theodosius

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recep özdemir

Ni Lao

honey holy land, jericho

German Fountain

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Georgel

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Basilica Cistern

Hagia Irene

Oleg Naumov

Mark Vasquez

Fadzil Hisham

Fethi Ayhanoğlu

Halil Tombak

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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Toprak Akın

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Grand Bazaar

The Basilica Cistern attracts over 2.2 million tourists from around the world each year, making it a popular destination in Istanbul.

Annual Visitors

The cistern could hold a staggering 100,000 tons of water, enough to supply the city of Byzantium for months.

Water Capacity

The Basilica Cistern covers a vast area of 9,800 square meters, making it one of the largest underground cisterns in the world.

Area

The Basilica Cistern is also known as the "Sunken Cistern" due to its location below ground level.

Nickname

The cistern was built beneath the site of the Stoa Basilica, a large public building in ancient Constantinople.

Original Location

The Basilica Cistern supplied water to the Grand Palace, the residence of the Byzantine emperors.

Water Source

The cistern is located just 150 meters southwest of the iconic Hagia Sophia, making it a convenient stop on any Istanbul tour.

Distance

The Basilica Cistern, an architectural marvel in Istanbul, is the largest surviving underground cistern built by the Byzantines. Constructed in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, it supplied water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. Its vast chamber, supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, creates a cathedral-like atmosphere. The cistern's unique features include two Medusa head bases supporting columns, believed to have been repurposed from an ancient Roman structure. One head is positioned sideways, while the other is upside down, adding to the cistern's enigmatic charm. Another highlight is the "Weeping Column," adorned with carvings of tears and branches, said to commemorate the slaves who died during its construction. The Basilica Cistern's impressive architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's rich past and engineering prowess.

Introduction

Basilica Cistern, an architectural marvel of the 6th century, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Byzantine engineers. This subterranean reservoir, located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, is an awe-inspiring example of an ancient water reservoir. Its vast cistern, supported by 336 towering marble columns, once held an astonishing 80,000 cubic meters of water, supplying the imperial palace and surrounding structures. The cistern's construction involved the repurposing of columns from older buildings, each adorned with intricate carvings and capitals. Among these columns, two Medusa heads, one placed sideways and the other upside down, add an air of mystery and intrigue to the space. The cistern's strategic location near the Hagia Sophia and its connection to the Valens Aqueduct highlight its crucial role in the city's water management system. Today, the Basilica Cistern serves as a captivating museum, where visitors can marvel at its architectural grandeur and immerse themselves in the history of Istanbul's ancient water supply.

Ancient Water Reservoir

Basilica Cistern, an architectural marvel of the Byzantine era, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and advanced engineering prowess of its creators. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, this subterranean reservoir played a crucial role in supplying water to the imperial palace and other significant structures in Constantinople.

The cistern's vast interior, spanning over 9,800 square meters, is supported by 336 imposing columns, many of which were repurposed from ancient Roman structures. These columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28, form a mesmerizing forest of stone, their intricate carvings and capitals showcasing the artistic sensibilities of the Byzantine era.

The cistern's most captivating feature is undoubtedly the two enigmatic Medusa heads that adorn the bases of two columns. These colossal heads, believed to have been salvaged from an earlier pagan temple, are positioned upside down and sideways, a deliberate act that may have symbolized the triumph of Christianity over pagan beliefs.

Beyond its aesthetic grandeur, the Basilica Cistern also reveals the Byzantines' mastery of hydraulic engineering. The cistern's ingenious design allowed for the efficient collection, storage, and distribution of water through a network of aqueducts. Its massive capacity, estimated at 80,000 cubic meters, ensured a reliable water supply even during periods of drought or siege.

The cistern's construction is a testament to the Byzantines' meticulous planning and attention to detail. The use of brick vaults and arches, along with the careful selection of materials, ensured the cistern's structural integrity and longevity. Its vaulted ceiling, supported by the massive columns, creates an awe-inspiring sense of space and grandeur.

Today, the Basilica Cistern stands as a living testament to the brilliance of Byzantine engineering. Its unique architectural features, historical significance, and captivating atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to delve into the wonders of Byzantine ingenuity.

Byzantine Engineering

Beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul lies an enigmatic subterranean marvel—the Basilica Cistern. This awe-inspiring underground chamber, dating back to the 6th century, is a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the Byzantine era. Its vast expanse, supported by 336 towering marble columns, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone time.

The cistern's most captivating feature is its enigmatic Medusa heads, believed to be remnants of an ancient temple. These upside-down Medusa heads, with their haunting expressions, add an air of mystery and intrigue to the space. The cistern's dimly lit interior, with water gently lapping at the columns' bases, creates an ethereal ambiance that enhances its subterranean charm.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Basilica Cistern holds historical significance as a vital water reservoir for the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its intricate system of channels and aqueducts ensured a steady supply of water to the city's inhabitants. Today, the cistern stands as a testament to the advanced engineering skills of its creators and offers a glimpse into Istanbul's rich and layered past.

Underground Wonder

Delve into the enigmatic depths of the Basilica Cistern, an architectural marvel concealed beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, this subterranean reservoir stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Byzantine engineers. Its cavernous interior, supported by a forest of 336 marble columns, creates an awe-inspiring spectacle. Each column, adorned with intricate carvings and capitals, tells a tale of its own, hinting at the rich history of this subterranean realm.

The cistern's most captivating feature lies in its two enigmatic Medusa heads, repurposed from ancient structures. One, placed sideways, the other upside down, these enigmatic figures add an air of mystery to the cistern's depths. Legends whisper that their inverted placement was intended to ward off evil spirits, protecting the cistern's precious water supply.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Basilica Cistern offers a glimpse into the advanced water management systems of the Byzantine era. Its ingenious design ensured a steady supply of fresh water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and its surrounding buildings. The cistern's vast capacity, estimated at 80,000 cubic meters, speaks to the foresight and engineering prowess of its creators.

Today, the Basilica Cistern stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of Byzantine architecture. Its subterranean chambers, once echoing with the sound of flowing water, now invite visitors to marvel at its architectural wonders and immerse themselves in the captivating history of Istanbul's hidden depths.

Subterranean Architecture

The Basilica Cistern, an architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of the Byzantine Empire. Constructed in the 6th century under the reign of Emperor Justinian, this subterranean cistern served as a vital water reservoir for the Great Palace of Constantinople and its surrounding structures.

With its colossal dimensions, spanning 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width, the cistern boasts a capacity of 100,000 tons of water. Its brick walls, nearly 5 meters thick, and waterproof Khorasan mortar floor ensured the safe storage of this precious resource.

Beyond its functional purpose, the Basilica Cistern is renowned for its captivating aesthetics. Its 336 marble columns, each standing 9 meters tall, are arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns. These columns, believed to be repurposed from ancient structures, lend an air of grandeur to the space.

Adding to its allure are two enigmatic Medusa heads, remnants of Roman artistry, which serve as column bases. Their enigmatic presence has sparked numerous legends and speculations over the centuries.

In the 16th century, the cistern was rediscovered by a Dutch traveler, P. Gyllius, after centuries of neglect. Today, it stands as a preserved historic landmark, open to visitors who marvel at its architectural prowess and immerse themselves in its rich history.

Historical Landmark

Basilica Cistern, an architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Istanbul, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of Byzantine engineering. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, this subterranean cistern served as a vital water reservoir for the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its vast interior, supported by 336 marble columns, creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

The cistern's columns, adorned with intricate carvings and capitals, are believed to have been salvaged from ancient temples and structures, adding to its historical significance. Among these columns, two stand out: the Medusa heads that serve as column bases. Their enigmatic presence has sparked countless theories, further enriching the cistern's mystique.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the Basilica Cistern played a crucial role in Istanbul's heritage. Its strategic location beneath the Stoa Basilica, a grand public square, ensured a steady supply of water to the city's inhabitants. The cistern's sophisticated filtration system, utilizing sand and gravel, ensured the purity of the water, making it a lifeline for the metropolis.

Today, the Basilica Cistern stands as a living testament to Istanbul's rich past. Its restoration in the 1980s has transformed it into a captivating museum, where visitors can marvel at its architectural wonders and immerse themselves in the grandeur of Byzantine Constantinople.

Istanbul Heritage

In the heart of Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel, two enigmatic Medusa heads captivate visitors with their enigmatic presence. These intricately carved marble heads, positioned as column bases, add an air of mystery to the ancient reservoir.

The origins of these Medusa heads remain shrouded in speculation. Some believe they were repurposed from an earlier Roman or Greek structure, while others suggest they were crafted specifically for the Cistern, serving as symbolic guardians or decorative elements. Their inverted and sideways orientations have sparked theories that they were placed thus to neutralize Medusa's petrifying gaze.

Despite their enigmatic origins, the Medusa heads have become an iconic feature of the Basilica Cistern. Their haunting beauty and the play of light and shadow on their surfaces create a surreal atmosphere. Visitors can marvel at their intricate details, from the serpents entwined in their hair to the haunting expressions frozen in stone.

The Medusa heads stand as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the Basilica Cistern. They invite visitors to delve into the realm of mythology and explore the enduring fascination with Medusa's legend. Whether seen as protective symbols or objects of awe, these heads continue to captivate and inspire, adding an unforgettable dimension to the exploration of this ancient underground wonder.

Basilica Cistern

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Annual Visitors

Water Capacity

Area

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