Istanbul siyahısına qayıt
IstanbulFatihAviabazaar seçimi

Basilica Cistern

A 6th-century Byzantine underground reservoir with 336 columns, next to Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern haqqında

The Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, lies underground on Sultanahmet Square, a few steps from Hagia Sophia. It is the largest of the hundreds of Byzantine cisterns beneath the city.

History of the cistern

It was built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I to supply the Great Palace and nearby buildings. The roof rests on 336 columns, each about 9 metres high. In 2017–2022 it was reinforced against earthquakes and restored.

What to see inside

Walkways lead between the columns to the far end. The best-known spot is the pair of Medusa heads used as column bases, one placed sideways and one upside down. Lighting and reflections on the water give the space its unusual look.

Tips for visiting

  • Queues build up during the day; come at opening time.
  • It is cool and damp inside, so a light layer helps even in summer.
  • Evening sessions run with a separate ticket.
  • Combine it with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Şəkillər

Şəkil mənbəyi: Wikimedia Commons

Faydalı məlumat