Basilica Cistern

The cistern, which was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565), is known as the "Basilica Palace" among the people due to the marble pillars rising from the water and appearing as innumerable. Since there was a basilica in the place where the cistern is located, it is also known as the Basilica Cistern. The Basilica Cistern, one of the magnificent historical structures of Istanbul, is a giant structure covering a rectangular area of ​​140 meters in length and 70 meters in width. Covering a total area of ​​9,800 m2, this cistern has a water storage capacity of approximately 100,000 tons. There are 336 columns, each 9 meters high, inside this cistern, which is descended by a 52-step stone staircase. Among the symbols of the historical cistern are the column with tear-like embroideries, popularly known as the "weeping column" and the "tear column", and the two "Medusa Heads", considered to be masterpieces of Roman sculpture art. The Basilica Cistern welcomes local and foreign visitors with its renewed face as a result of the works started in 2016 by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Cultural Heritage and continuing for more than 5 years. Visiting Hours: It is open to visitors every day between 09.00 and 19.00. (Except the 1st days of religious holidays)

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