Audio GuideBasilica Cistern

Beneath the lively streets of Istanbul, an extraordinary space waits quietly: the Yerebatan Sarnıcı, also known as the Basilica Cistern. Nearly fifteen centuries ago, Roman engineers and thousands of workers built this massive underground reservoir to serve the ancient city, providing water when it became scarce or dangerous during wars. Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire commissioned its construction, and it was finished in the early sixth century. The project took almost two centuries, making it a masterpiece of persistence and skill.

Daniel Paiva Fernandes

Covering almost ten thousand square meters, the cistern is supported by three hundred thirty-six marble columns. Many of them rise nearly nine meters high. The columns were gathered from different old temples and ruins across the empire. Each column has a different history—that is, some are carved in the delicate Corinthian style, while others are plain and simple. Together, they create the feeling of an underground palace. The soft echoes of water and footsteps give every visit an almost mystical quality.

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At the northwest corner, you will find two Medusa heads that have long been wrapped in myth. These ancient Roman carvings support the base of two columns. One head is placed sideways, and the other is upside down. Legend says that this strange placement is meant to lessen the legendary power of Medusa’s gaze, which could turn a person to stone. It also hints at the creative reuse of materials by the builders.

During both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, the cistern’s thick brick walls were waterproofed with special mortar, and they sheltered huge supplies of fresh water. This water flowed through aqueducts from distant forests into the city. Even after Istanbul changed rulers, the cistern continued to serve palaces and neighborhoods, especially during times of crisis.

Today, visitors walk above shallow, clear waters on raised platforms. The dim lighting, occasional art installations, and the reflection of soft lights off ancient stone create a scene that feels timeless. Over the years, careful restoration has kept the structure standing safely, preserving its unique character for new generations.

Yerebatan Sarnıcı continues to inspire people. It has appeared in James Bond films, the novel Inferno by Dan Brown, and even in popular video games. Whether you are drawn by its architecture, its mysterious Medusa columns, or its cool, shadowy beauty, the Basilica Cistern offers a breathtaking experience. It unites Istanbul’s long history with the vibrant life of today.