Basilica Cistern | Istanbul

The Basilica Cistern (also known as Yerebatan Sarayı in Turkish, meaning "Sunken Palace") is one of Istanbul’s most fascinating and atmospheric historical landmarks. It’s an ancient underground water reservoir that dates back to the Byzantine Empire and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s engineering prowess and history. The Basilica Cistern is a major tourist attraction and one of the most well-preserved of its kind in Istanbul.

Historical Background

Construction: The Basilica Cistern was built during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD, as part of his larger project to strengthen the infrastructure of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The cistern was constructed to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other important buildings in the city, especially during times of siege. It’s believed that the cistern was named after the nearby Basilica of St. John (Basilica of the Empress), which once stood above it (though the basilica itself is no longer standing).

Purpose: The primary function of the cistern was to store water, which was brought to Constantinople through aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest, about 19 kilometers (12 miles) away. The water would then be channeled to various locations, including palaces, fountains, and public baths.

Decline and Rediscovery: After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the cistern was abandoned and largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 16th century. Local residents were known to use it as a source of water, and some even lowered buckets down through holes in the floor to catch fish, unaware of its ancient origins. It wasn’t until much later that the cistern was recognized for its historical and architectural significance.

Architectural Features

Size and Structure: The Basilica Cistern is vast, covering an area of 9,800 square meters (about 105,000 square feet) and capable of holding an estimated 80,000 cubic meters (about 21 million gallons) of water. It measures approximately 138 meters (453 feet) long and 64.6 meters (212 feet) wide. The cistern is supported by 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each, all of which are topped with arched vaults.

Columns: The columns are not uniform in style or design. They were sourced from various locations, including ancient temples and buildings in and around Constantinople. Some columns are Corinthian-style, while others are Doric or Ionic. The columns were constructed using materials from earlier Greek and Roman structures, reflecting the Roman and Byzantine legacy in the city’s architecture. The columns are made from different types of marble and granite, some of which were reused from earlier structures.

Water System: The cistern was designed to store and distribute water using a highly sophisticated system of aqueducts, pipes, and channels. The water from the aqueducts was channeled into the cistern through large stone channels at the top of the structure.

Lighting and Atmosphere: The cistern is illuminated with soft lighting, enhancing its otherworldly atmosphere. The light casts shadows on the walls and columns, creating a mysterious and serene environment. Visitors can wander along the raised wooden walkways that pass over the water, which is still present in parts of the cistern. The atmosphere is cool, quiet, and almost mystical, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time.

Key Features and Highlights

Medusa Heads:

Among the most famous features of the Basilica Cistern are the Medusa heads, which are two ancient Roman stone carvings of Medusa, the mythical Gorgon from Greek mythology, whose gaze could turn people to stone. The two heads are placed at the base of two columns, and their placement is unusual and mysterious. One head is positioned upside down, and the other is sideways, adding to the intrigue surrounding them. The reason for this placement is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be an example of Roman spolia, where older materials from earlier structures were reused in new constructions.

Column Capitals:

The columns in the cistern are topped with a variety of column capitals, many of which feature intricate carvings, some of which resemble palm leaves, while others are simple, reflecting the variety of materials used in the construction of the cistern.

Fish and Water:

The cistern still holds water to this day, and although much of the water is now drained, some of it is still maintained in certain sections. The cistern is also home to several fish, which swim through the murky water, adding to the cistern's sense of mystery. Visitors can observe the fish through the raised walkways.

The Walkways:

Raised wooden walkways allow visitors to explore the cistern's interior while remaining above the water. The walkways make it easy to appreciate the scale and architectural beauty of the space without disrupting the water beneath.

The Sound and Ambience:

The Basilica Cistern is renowned for its acoustic properties. The stillness of the water, combined with the way the space is structured, creates an eerie, echoing sound when people speak, walk, or make noise inside. This has made the cistern a favored location for cultural events, art installations, and performances.

Visiting the Basilica Cistern

Location: The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, near other important landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Its entrance is located on Yerebatan Caddesi, just a short walk from these famous sites.

Opening Hours: The Basilica Cistern is open to visitors every day, typically from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though these hours can vary slightly depending on the season or special events. It's advisable to check ahead for any changes in opening hours.

Admission Fees: There is an entrance fee to visit the cistern, and the price is usually around $3-5 USD (or its equivalent in Turkish Lira). The price might fluctuate based on the season or special exhibitions.

Access and Accessibility: The cistern is easily accessible by foot from the Sultanahmet Square. There are stairs leading down to the cistern, but the site is not easily accessible for people with mobility issues due to its underground location and narrow walkways.

Fun Facts

Filming Location: The Basilica Cistern has appeared in a number of films, TV shows, and documentaries. It is perhaps best known to moviegoers for its appearance in the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love, where it served as a backdrop for a key scene.

Noisy Atmosphere: While it is an incredibly peaceful place, the acoustics of the cistern make it a fascinating place for sound experiments and artistic performances, which take advantage of the echoing effect in the cavernous space.

The Name "Sunken Palace": The cistern is sometimes referred to as the "Sunken Palace" because of its massive, palace-like size and the mysterious, almost mystical atmosphere that it evokes when walking through it.

Final Thoughts

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most intriguing and atmospheric sites. It is a fascinating example of ancient engineering, combining history, architecture, and myth into a singular experience. Whether you are interested in Byzantine history, engineering marvels, or just want to experience a unique and eerie space in the heart of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is a must-visit site that offers a memorable journey back in time.