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The Basilica Cistern is one of the most famous underground wonders in Istanbul. This underground structure, with its enchanting atmosphere, attracts a large number of visitors.
Underground palace
Istanbul is often remembered as a city with territory spanning two continents, possessing a mystical beauty and a rich cultural heritage steeped in history. There are many landmarks to visit when traveling to Istanbul, but the Basilica Cistern is undoubtedly one of the most popular. The underground chamber is named Basilica Cistern, inspired by the Stoa Basilica Square located directly above it.
A magnificent 80,000m³ underground reservoir, resembling a palace, has existed for nearly 1,500 years beneath the ancient city.
The Basilica Cistern is an underground water structure built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Its purpose was to supply water to the Imperial Palace and other important buildings in the Constantinople area. At that time, the cistern held up to 80,000 cubic meters of water.
By the time the city fell under Ottoman rule in 1453, the Basilica Cistern continued to be used, but no longer played the most important role it had initially. Afterward, the building fell into disuse for various reasons.
It wasn't until the 16th century that the underground vault was discovered by the Dutch explorer Petrus Gyllius. Since then, the structure has undergone several renovations and has become a popular Turkish tourist attraction, drawing large numbers of visitors.
The project was intended to supply water to the palace and other important structures in Constantinople (i.e., Istanbul) of the Byzantine Empire.
The Basilica Cistern is one of Türkiye's most impressive architectural masterpieces. With hundreds of neatly arranged stone columns reflecting in the clear blue water, it creates a magical, romantic atmosphere, transporting visitors to another world. Stepping inside, you'll experience an extraordinary tranquility. With each step, you're discovering a new world, a world full of mystery and allure.
When the city fell to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, the Basilica Cistern continued to be used but no longer played a significant role, before falling into oblivion.
The total area of this structure reaches 9,800 square meters, with a capacity of up to 80,000 cubic meters of water at a time. The massive column system consists of 336 columns cast from polished marble. Each column is 8 meters high, arranged neatly in 12 rows. Besides supporting the entire Basilica Cistern, the columns are clear evidence of the superior sculptural skill and craftsmanship of the ancients.
The Basilica Cistern is often referred to as the "water palace" or "sinking palace" due to its vast space and magnificent architecture.
The soft light from the shimmering water, filtering through the towering stone columns, creates a magical, shimmering atmosphere. The Basilica Cistern is like a palace beneath the ocean, where light and shadow intertwine, creating an ethereal beauty that leaves visitors in awe. With every step, visitors feel as if they are entering another world, a world full of mystery and romance.
A masterpiece of architecture: an underground water reservoir in Istanbul.
This underground pool is famous for its many unique and highly artistic architectural features. One notable example is the unique Medusa head column at the Basilica Cistern, which everyone wants to admire.
The Basilica Cistern is not only an architectural heritage site but also a captivating historical landmark in the heart of Istanbul.
The two pillars, shaped like Medusa's head – the half-human, half-snake creature from Greek mythology with the ability to turn people to stone with a glance – are the highlight of the Basilica Cistern. These two statues further enhance the space, adding a sense of mystery, spirituality, and impressiveness.
The impressive architecture of this "underground palace".
Positioned northwest of the cistern, one Medusa head is placed at an angle, the other upside down. In ancient architecture, the image of Medusa was often used to ward off evil spirits and protect the building. At the Basilica Cistern, the two Medusa heads, with their glaring eyes, stand as guardian deities, watching over this architectural treasure. Therefore, many believe that placing the two Medusa pillars here was intended to protect the entire magnificent structure from spiritual forces.
Many architectural structures here also pique people's curiosity due to their names, for example, the extremely famous "Tears Column." It's called that because the surface of this column is always damp. Even more special, the column is carved with subtle motifs of peacocks and drooping branches resembling tears, hence the name given by the ancients.
This distinctive column is positioned in a very visible area upon arriving at the Basilica Cistern. Legend says the column is a tribute and expression of gratitude to the slaves who lost their lives during the construction of this building. The tears on the column represent the tears of those who died in the past, a reminder of their great but silent sacrifice to create the Basilica Cistern as it stands today for all to admire.
The peacock carvings on the column symbolize immortality, while the drooping branches represent sadness. This combination creates multiple layers of meaning, intertwined with stories of life and death, the sacrifices of those who came before, and the gratitude of those who remain.
There are many other architectural wonders not to be missed when visiting this place.
The Basilica Cistern is a unique architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Istanbul's golden age. With its mystical beauty, exquisite architecture, and profound cultural significance, the Basilica Cistern deserves to be one of the must-see destinations when you visit the Turkish capital.
