It is very easy to walk by the unassuming entrance to Yerebatan Sarnayi, or the Basilica Cistern as it is often referred to.
Opposite the Aya Sofia, you’ll find a small building next to the tram line, with steps leading down into the cistern.
As you walk down into this 6th century Byzantine cistern you will be amazed at it’s size. Restored in 1980, this is the largest underground cistern in the city. It’s really a great hall, one hundred and forty metres long, seventy metres wide featuring 336 columns, each twelve metres high. It can hold an incredible eight thousand cubic meters of water. The columns are arranged in twelve rows of twenty eight columns, each supporting inticate brick vaulting. Some of the capitals are carved, others not.
It is thought that when Justinian 1 built this in 532 AD he had to demolish an old basilica and subsequently reused the capitals. At the time it was built it was used to store water for the Great Palace and other buildings in the area but later after the Ottoman revolt in 1453, it was used to water the gardens of the Topkapi Palace.
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Walk to the back of the cistern and you will find two Medusa heads supporting columns. The origin of these heads is unknown as is the reason that one was placed upside down and the other on its side.
Another of Istanbul’s not to be missed sights!
Have you seen the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul?
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I love to travel! I love exploring the markets, trying new tastes and finding fabulous restaurants so this blog is also about food!
I'd love to think that by sharing my stories, you will be able to add new experiences to your dream trip or simply enjoy the escape with us
Happy travelling.
We’ve really got to go back to this place next time we’re in Istanbul. The problem is, we went and thought, “Yeah, it’s okay but it’s not wowing us.” EVERYONE is wowed by it, so we’re wondering if maybe we were a bit tired of seeing the sights by the time we got here. Maybe on another day, we’ll see the error of our ways.
Great photos as usual, by the way.
Julia
It’ll be interesting to see what you think the second time around Julia. Being constantly surrounded by so much history, it may not have the same effect on you as it did on me coming from a country that is only 225 years old.
Nice post. I loved visiting here. Great to see the pics because unfortunatley, I cannot find my pictures from when I visited.
Thank you April.It’s frustrating when you lose pictures isn’y it.What a great excuse for going back and taking some more!
I have not seen this but what an incredible sight and your photography of it is superb.
Thanks Leigh. It’s certainly one of the places you should visit in Istanbul.
Very cool shots…love the lighting. Still have not made it to Istanbul…it is on the list!
Thanks Anita. Istanbul is a fabulous city. When you visit, make sure you allow plenty of time…there’s so much to see and do!