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.
It is a cistern that has been light magically. The acoustics are beautiful. It is defently a must visit place
Great historical spot surrounded by cisterns rising on a medusa legend to learn lessons from a one in the eye story.
Its hundreds of years old!! The medusa heads are fantastic as I am a mythology nut and I always liked the story of the Medusa. Very damp and musty and makes for amazing "night" photography due to very limited lighting!
Enjoy not only the engineering marvel but the different carvings making it functional and beautiful.
This is just so different from anything we've experienced before. It would be so easy to miss as from the outside it doesn't look like much. One of our group asked "Do we need to do this?" I rather insisted, and afterwards they thanked me for "Forcing" them to visit the Cistern. This is a real treasure buried under Istanbul.
It's an interesting place for those interested in archaeology and the general study of how ancient cities acquired their water.
The walk thru should take no more than 10 minutes unless you really want to "take it in" and contemplate on this marvel of engineering.
We have been to IST a few times previously, but this was our first visit to the cistern. The space was great to visit and a nice addition to the mosques and bazaars.
Especially in the summer when you want a cool dark place with a cafe! Really interesting, especially the Gorgon's Head statue with a pillar on top of it. Very surreal environment. Kids will love it. Schedule around lunch – there's a little cafe down there.
Wow! This was interesting and you'd never know it existed! Our guide took us from and crowded street to another world underground. Unbelievable the amount of Roman effort to build this cistern and ensure a reliable water supply for the ancient city. Go!
No wonder why this attraction is N9, it is really worth visiting to take wonderful photos and see the famous Medusa column. Back in the 6th century…Unforgettable experience!