BASILICA CISTERN MUSEUM
The Basilica Cistern Museum, also known as Yerebatan Cistern, is a stunning ancient underground structure located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, which was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, is one of the most unique and impressive architectural marvels in the world.
The Basilica Cistern Museum is located just a few hundred meters from the Hagia Sophia, and is one of the largest cisterns in Istanbul, with a capacity of over 100,000 tons of water. The cistern served as a reservoir for the Byzantine Palace and other buildings in the area, and was in use until the late Ottoman period.
The cistern measures approximately 140 meters by 70 meters, and is supported by 336 columns, each of which is around 9 meters high. The columns are made of marble and are believed to have been sourced from older structures in the region. The columns are arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each, and the space between the columns is around 4.8 meters.
One of the most striking features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads, which are located at the base of two of the columns. The Medusa heads are believed to have been brought from a pagan temple, and were likely used as a protective measure against evil spirits.
The cistern was forgotten for many years, and was rediscovered in the 16th century by a French traveler. In the years that followed, the cistern was used as a dumping ground and was in a state of disrepair. However, in the 1980s, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality began a major renovation project, which included the installation of a raised platform and walkways, as well as the addition of lighting and music.
Today, the Basilica Cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, drawing visitors from all over the world. The cistern is open to the public every day, and visitors can walk along the raised platforms and admire the stunning architecture and design of the structure.
One of the most memorable experiences of visiting the Basilica Cistern is the eerie atmosphere created by the dim lighting and the sound of dripping water. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the small waterway that runs through the cistern, which adds to the sense of mystery and wonder.
