This is also known as the Yerebatan Sarayı, or Underground Cistern, Istanbul. It was originally constructed by that great builder, the Emperor Justinian in the sixth century, on a site to be near the old palace. It was also known as the Basilica Cistern. It is one of the biggest of the Byzantine cisterns, being 140 metres by 70 metres (154 by 77 yards). It has no less than 336 columns, each 8 metres (about 26,5 it) high.
As in the equally famous Thousand and One Columns, no part of the pillars have remained in the ground. It is the only one of the old Byzantine cisterns which still contains water, which is brought from the reservoirs in the Forest of Belgrad. Electric light has been installed and it is possible to go for a row in it in a boat. It is one of the most impressive of all Byzantine remains, a fitting offset to the wonderful building of Justanian nearby, Aya Sofya, that is, Hagia Sofia.
Continuing from the Underground Cistern, Istanbul in the direction of the trams, we come to Hagia Sofya Place with the Aya Sofya Museum. To the south of the Museum is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet. Here too we see the Obelisk and the Hippodrome Place, the Atmeydani, to-day the Place of Sultan Ahmet. And then, on the north side, there is the old Church of St. Irene, the Palace of Topkapi, the Topkapi Museum, the Museum of the Ancient East, the Archaeological Museum and the Tile Kiosk.
I really enjoyed visiting the Basilica Cistern. It has a very interesting history and walking along the underground chamber which was lit up with lights was great! Seeing the upside-down head of Medusa was also a lot of of fun!
Jaw droppin when you step in – even if you have seen tons of photos already. Try to walk through slowly, turning your head sidewards and watch the perspective between the column rows change – enjoy!
It is a cistern that has been light magically. The acoustics are beautiful. It is defently a must visit place.
If you are going to store water this is the way to do it. Cannot believe that this was done without machines of today. Truly amazing
A good example of water conservation. Beautifully lit it's a good experience.
Walking down the stairs to the beautifully lit Cistern was a little daunting for me, I don't like being underground, but once you enter the chamber you soon forget! It is huge, will the pillars illuminated giving a real ethereal feeling.
Since you visit the Hagia Sophia area, you should pay a visit at the Basilica Cistern. It is an impressive nearly 1500-year-old monument from the early Byzantine era. The most striking thing is the lighting, making it very atmospheric. A tip here… Don't try to photoshoot with a flash. You will only get a black background.
We entered almost at closing so there were perhaps 20-40 people. It is a beautiful stroll (1/2 hr) of being amazed that this existed. There are @330 pillars supporting this and the lighting and soft music as you walk made it such a peaceful magical exploration.
Huge Roman construction – excavated but left to tell it's own story. Beautiful columns and lots of fish – weird but enthralling!
Amazing to see how they have kept this place still functional and providing water supply to the numerous water fountains in the area. Well lit up and very clean, no foul smell. Worth the visit if on the tour itinerary.