Basilica Cistern
"The Basilica Cistern is an underground Byzantine water reservoir featuring 336 marble columns rising from shallow water in a dimly lit, cathedral-like space. The most famous features are two Medusa head column bases—one sideways, one upside down. Built in 532 CE, it's an atmospheric engineering marvel that once supplied water to the Great Palace. The acoustics and lighting create an eerie, cinematic experience."
Logistics
Expensive
Vibe
Mysterious, Atmospheric, Ancient
Duration
30-45 minutes
Best For
Photography
The Backstory
Emperor Justinian I built the cistern in 532 CE to store water for the Great Palace and surrounding buildings, with capacity for 80,000 cubic meters. It was constructed using columns and materials salvaged from ruined temples, explaining the mismatched styles and mysterious Medusa heads (likely from a Roman temple). After the Ottoman conquest, the cistern was forgotten and rediscovered in 1545 when a scholar noticed locals drawing water through basement floors. It underwent major restoration in 1985 and has been featured in films like 'From Russia with Love.'
Local Secret
"Entry is expensive (1,300 TL / ~€35 as of 2025) for what amounts to a 20-30 minute visit. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the frequently massive queues. Visit late afternoon when crowds thin. The wooden walkways can be slippery—watch your step."