Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHTS
BASILICA CISTERN
This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest sur-
viving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were
salvaged from ruined temples and feature fine carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of
conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days.
DON'T MISS...
» Upside-down head of Medusa used as a column base
» Teardrop column
PRACTICALITIES
» Yerebatan Sarnıçı
» OFFLINE MAP
» www.yerebatan.com
» Yerebatan Caddesi 13
» admission 10
»
9am-6.30pm
»
Sultanahmet
The cistern was originally known as the Basilica Cistern because it lay underneath the
Stoa Basilica, one of the great squares on the first hill. Designed to service the Great Palace
and surrounding buildings, it was able to store up to 80,000 cu metres of water delivered
via 20km of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea, but was closed when the Byz-
antine emperors relocated from the Great Palace. Forgotten by the city authorities some
Search WWH ::




Custom Search