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 was a little bit unhappy to go there but…believe me…it was soooooooooooooooooo nice underground! Nobody can believe that this was built hundreds of years before…You must see!
This attraction peaked my curiosity due to an old James Bond, movie that was shot here back in the 60's, I believe. It is far more beautiful and stunning now with the restoration that has taken place and the lighting. The pattern of the pillars and size surprised me.
This marvel of Roman architecture is a must see in Istanbul. It feels quite eerie to be under such a busy and noisy city, but it is a haven of peace, quiet and tranquility. The fish are especially fascinating.
An absolute fascinating underground structure. It is a great site to walk though and think about how long ago it was constructed. It was also used as a scene for a James Bond movie.
An awesome place to visit. Everyone should go visit this while in Istanbul. You need to read the new Dan Brown book Inferno before you go. It will make it much more interesting.
This is a must-see, as you can appreciate the centuries-old history of this place. Remnants of Roman temples were "recycled" to form the water cistern.
This is the magical place that indeed all of the other reviewers have described. It’s a must-see and is a good alternative when the nearby Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are too crowded.
But I bet most visitors are disappointed in their pictures of it when they get home. Reason? They took flash pictures. If you really want to capture the beautiful dimly illuminated cistern, you need to hold your camera very still (tripod, or balanced securely on railing) and use a setting without flash. Read your camera instructions if you don’t know how to do this. Trust me. You won’t regret it.
The cistern will amaze because of its size. Those who may fear going underground or closed-in spaces need not be concerned. Crowds will move you along but the visit need not take more than a half-hour.
The cistern is underground and very cool and refreshing to get out of the humid air. The history is fascinating, don’t miss the Medusa heads and the reason they are upside down.
Must see place. So cool.. In both meanings… Great ambiance.. Heart of history…Nice breeze.. Would be great in summer..