Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, located next to Hagia Sophia, served as the palace's underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era to the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is considered one of Istanbul's most romantic and mysterious tourist attractions. Entering the cistern, you feel as if you've stepped into another world of Istanbul. The clear sounds of water droplets falling on the surface are constantly heard, and carp occasionally swim in the pool. Dim streetlights lining the edges of the underground passage create a peaceful, deep, mysterious, and captivating atmosphere. This enormous cistern, 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, is the size of a football field. 336 thick Corinthian columns, 9 meters high, support the massive brick vaults, creating a truly impressive sight. Each column features meticulously crafted, unique reliefs. Because of its unique and mysterious atmosphere, it has served as a filming location for productions such as the Hollywood film "Skyfall" and Jackie Chan's "The Accidental Spy."

The Basilica Cistern has a very large water storage capacity and is still used by the people of Istanbul today. It is said that if the cistern were completely full of water, it could meet the water needs of the entire city for a month. While the teardrop-shaped columns in the center of the cistern attract the attention of many visitors, the columns on the northwest side of the cistern, supported by two inverted Medusa heads, are one of the most impressive parts of the Basilica Cistern.

The history of the Basilica Cistern dates back to the 6th century AD and it was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Initially, it was used to store water for the nearby palace and buildings. Later sealed, the cistern was rediscovered after the conquest of Istanbul in the 16th century. Bringing water from the forests near the Black Sea, this structure both met the palace's water needs and served as a strategic refuge against enemy sieges. It is truly an underground palace, a product of the imagination.