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 enjoyed this amazing attraction. I was like two hours taking photograhps and looking the stone´s walls; after I understood the history, inmediatjly under the old city.
Had just seen it on Bond movie but my husband insisited on visiting it. It is amazing…vast and the inverted Medula heads towards the end are quite nice Definitely worth a visit
Interesting to see and a nice cool place to sit for a snack. There was a long line to get in but it went quick.
We have been in Basilica Cistern last June and had a wonderful time with photographing this place. This is a good opportunity to sharpen your slow shutter speed photography skills. Things to remember
• Have a tripod
• Have a remote trigger if you have one
• Otherwise use 10 seconds or 2 seconds delayed trigger
Climb down 1500 years and be captured by the athmosphere. Gaze at the columns brought from the vast Byzantine empire, and wonder where the fishes come from.
This was by far my favorite site in Istanbul. I've traveled around but I had never been someone where so magical and unusual. The main attractions are the Medusa heads but just wondering around is so beautiful.
Almost a reverent feeling when you go inside; dramatic lighting but a peaceful feel to the whole place. Do the research, or have your guide, give you the whole history of the cistern and surrounding area, as it will make it even more impressive.
The Basilica Cistern, was by far the most impressive underground structure I has ever seen. It is so mysterious and so grand. The medusa heads make it all much more exciting to see. It really is such an impressive place.
we have been to Istanbul before but not here, its a lovely place to see very glad we did, it was raining when we visited so going under ground for a hour was nice. lots of history with the medusa heads right at the back of the cistern also a wishing coloumn overall worth the visit.
With a freezing wind outside it was nice and warm down below. An amazing place, light give it atmosphere and you can see fish swimming in the water.