Hidden beneath Istanbul lies the Basilica Cistern, a 1,400-year-old architectural marvel often dubbed an underground palace, captivating visitors with its history and cinematic allure.
Constructed around 542 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern was designed to supply water to the palace and key structures in Constantinople (now Istanbul). Among hundreds of underground reservoirs in the city, it was the largest and most important.
After the Ottoman Empire took over in the 15th century, the cistern was forgotten until French explorer Petrus Gyllius rediscovered it in the 16th century. Following restorations, it opened to the public in 1987 and has since become a popular tourist destination.
Spanning 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width, the cistern can hold over 80,000 cubic meters of water, enough to sustain Istanbul’s population for a month. Its ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns, each approximately 10 meters high.
The marble columns and their bases come in various shapes, arranged in 12 rows, each spaced about 3 to 4 meters apart.
The interwoven rows of columns create a beauty reminiscent of an ancient temple. Even after over a thousand years, traces of the underground water levels remain visible on the columns.
Notable among them is the “Weeping Column”, engraved with teardrop-like patterns, believed to honor the workers, many of whom were slaves, who lost their lives during construction.
Many column bases are intricately carved with details. Today, the water level in the cistern is kept low, allowing visitors a clearer view of the structure.
The bases of some columns are sculpted into the image of Medusa, the snake-haired figure from Greek mythology. Interestingly, her head is displayed upside down, a detail locals believe serves to ward off evil spirits and protect the grand structure.
The rows of columns supporting the ceiling of the Basilica Cistern create arches reminiscent of those found in European cathedrals.
The carvings atop the columns, showcasing various designs, reflect the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
