Basilica Cistern Tourism

The Basilica Cistern, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the most fascinating historical landmarks of the city. Also known as 'Yerebatan Sarayı' or 'Sunken Palace' in Turkish, it was constructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century to store water for the Great Palace and nearby structures. The cistern boasts 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns, supporting the ceiling. Its enchanting atmosphere is amplified by the dim lights and the soft sound of water droplets. Two Medusa head carvings positioned at the base of two columns add a touch of mystery to the place, and their origin and purpose remain a topic of speculation. The cistern's capacity to store 100,000 tons of water highlights its historical engineering marvel. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction where visitors walk on raised wooden platforms above the shallow waters, enjoying the cool and serene ambiance away from the city's bustle.