Basilica Cistern

You’re now in front of the entrance to the mythical and mystical Basilica Cistern. Surely the most mysterious and fascinating spot in all of Istanbul. It’s a water reservoir built for the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, back in the 6th century. It is known as the Basilica Cistern, because it was built on the site of an ancient religious edifice. This historic cistern is 140 metres long and 70 metres wide! Its surface area of 9800 square metres can store 78,000 cubic metres of water. All this supported by 12 rows of 28 marble columns, each measuring 8 metres tall! Huge, right? Well, it had to be to meet the water needs of the grand palace during the Byzantine period. The Romans were known for their waterworks, and this cistern is a prime example. They channeled water from the Belgrade forest region, 19 km away, via two aqueducts. When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the cistern was used for a time by the Topkapi Palace. But soon, the Ottomans built their own water storage system and the cistern fell into oblivion. It was only re-discovered in the 16th century by a Dutch archaeologist who had come to excavate the ruins of Byzantium. Access is subject to a fee, but it’s worth every penny. Trust me, it’s an unforgettable experience. You’ll get to stroll among the illuminated columns and see the two fascinating Medusa heads; one is placed sideways and the other upside-down! The true story behind these Medusas remains a mystery. Why this choice? Why upside-down? No one really knows. One thing’s for sure: Medusa, with snakes for hair, had the power to turn anyone who met her gaze to stone. So the Medusa heads might have been like guardians – you know, to protect the place. Today, the basilica is one of Istanbul’s most visited landmarks, welcoming almost a million visitors every year. Fun fact: the Basilica Cistern was even featured in the James Bond movie “From Russia with Love” and the film adaptation of Dan Brown’s Inferno!