Why is the reservoir known as the underground water palace?

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey, south of the Hagia Sophia. The ancient Basilica Cistern has 336 stone columns and is one of the largest underground reservoirs. During the Byzantine period, it was one of the sources of daily drinking water for the citizens of Istanbul. The museum is one of the most important cultural assets of Istanbul's glorious history. This magnificent underground pool, built by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565), has 336 columns, each 9 meters high. The columns are spaced 4.80 meters apart, forming 12 rows, each with 28 columns. Carved from various marbles. It has a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons and an area of ​​approximately 10,000 square meters. It is not difficult to see why these reservoirs are called "palaces" here, because the capitals are really gorgeous and some of them are carved. It is said that these pillars were "recycled" and used here. However, the interior architecture of the Basilica Cistern is very spectacular and beautiful, especially the columns with Medusa as the capitals, which are particularly distinctive and are a historic site well worth visiting. However, it is dark so you need to be careful about your steps and where you step.