Basilica Cistern, A Subterranean Palace of Enigma and Romance

Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Istanbul, Turkey

The most famous one is the portrait of the serpent-haired monster Medusa

Introduction

The Underground Cistern is an ancient building located next to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, whose history dates back to the sixth century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Originally, it was used to store water for the palace and other buildings. However, this cistern was closed down and forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 16th century after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. The Underground Cistern occupies an area of approximately 140 meters long and 70 meters wide and can store up to 100,000 tons of water. It was also used as a military ammunition depot. Today, the Underground Cistern has become one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, as it is a romantic and mysterious place. The enormous palace, made up of 336 giant columns, each decorated with exquisite patterns, leaves a lasting impression. Furthermore, the sound of dripping water and the eerie legends seem to transport you into another mysterious world. Although the Underground Cistern in the church is small, the process of finding it is also interesting. If you follow the directions on the map, you can quickly find the entrance, which is almost in a corner of the street garden adjacent to the Hagia Sophia. In the hot summer, coming to the Underground Cistern, staying here for a while and enjoying the tranquility and comfort will be an excellent experience.