The Basilica Cistern

I've been to Istambul not long ago, and visiting The Cistern Basilica was on the top of my list. It is amazing how after more than 15 centuries ago, this place, first used as a temple, and later as a water reservoir, has survived the time. Definitely a must see.

This place is located just cross the road from Hagia Sophia and the entrance ticket is only 20 Turkish lira. There are many famous columns inside such as Medusa's head column and crying column.

One the major attraction near blue mosque is this Basilica Cistern. Entry fee is a cheap at TR20 and it's worth visiting as we learn how the structure stands.

The Underground Water Palace in Jerebatian was built as a reservoir for war. It was built in 542 AD. Justinian Emperor used 7,000 slaves to build it on the ruins of the church. Walking into the underground water palace, it seems to enter another world, dim lights, broken water droplets sound, as if telling the brutal history of the past...

The water palace's facade was very small, but it was only when it entered that it was shocked. This is the building of the Roman Empire. It's really admirable that such a huge building was built underground. There is a very mysterious feeling, feeling into the beginning of the ancient tomb. There are two famous pillars in it. One is a pillar with a human head as its base; the other is a pillar of tears in memory of the dead laborers.

Nice place. Reasonable price for tickets (20 TRY). A lot of tourists, but the queue goes fast. Right now it’s under reconstruction, so there is no water inside. But even without water and fish you will be able to enjoy an amazing, atmospheric world hidden beneath the streets of Istanbul!

The Underground Water Palace, situated next to St. Sophia Cathedral, was the underground reservoir of the Byzantine to Ottoman Empire Palace. The Groundwater Palace was built in the 6th century A.D. and has a huge water reserve of 100,000 tons. It is still used by Istanbuls. This is one of the wonders of Turkey. In the darkness, we grope and find that there are fish swimming in the water. It's amazing. Hollywood movies "007 Big Breaking Screen Crisis" and Jackie Chan's "Secret Service Maze" have been filmed here.

there is a lot of history in the Basilca Cistern. the cistern contained over 300+ columns. the hightlight are the 2 head of Medusa at the base of 2 columns. the admission is 20 Turkish Lira. very busy but the line moves quickly.

The Underground Water Palace is not far from the Blue Mosque. It's a very mysterious place. The Underground Palace is rather cold. I remember to add a coat. The light inside is dim. There are many super fat big fish in the water. There are water droplets that will drip down the pavement, so be careful to walk slowly. The upside-down Medusa is impressive. It really feels like being petrified. This is also the scene of the last section of the recent film Dante Code.

Museum cards can't be used. There's an extra charge. It's right next to St. Sophia's Cathedral. It's the place where the Dante Code was filmed. There wasn't much water when we went, but there was still a good atmosphere. There were two heads of Medusa inside. It's worth seeing.