Basilica Cistern - Istanbul

The underground water system in Istanbul takes a modern twist on an ancient water system. The attraction is a one way walking system with visual art installations which have different focuses. All of the art installations have descriptions by the artists to explain their meaning and purpose. There is water under the ground and can get quite busy at times. I would definitely recommend purchasing tickets online prior to going as the queue to enter the attraction is much shorter #awesomepic #art #culture #istanbul

The underground wonders in Istanbul

Istanbul Basilica Cistern - the largest cistern from the Byzantine Empire, just a stonethrow away from the famous Hagia Sofia. Before visiting, recommend you to purchase the ticket online to skip the queue. Inside the cistern is cooling and with the light effect. it illustrates the pillars and the whole area beautifully. I think is nice and should visit at least once. Find the stone carved pillar of Medusa as is one of the highlight of the journey. Recommend to go over the other side to take photos as most of the visitors would start clicking the moment they get down thus lesser crowd on the opposite side. #istanbul #turkey #basilicacistern

The Basilica Cistern

Located in Southwest of hagia Sofia, and it is magnificent ancient building. It is underground water reservoir called as “Yerebatan Cistern” because of the underground marble columns. Basilica Cistern is a magical underground place that really is unlike any place! It has all of the medusa vibes! It is a series of tunnels that lead to a street in the middle of the city at the end of it. It is a cave of actual wonder. Every historical artifact found there has a thorough description and you feel a lot more informed whenever you leave this place. One of the many places I would recommend in this amazing city! ⛪️🌟👓 #solstice #urbanexplorer #summervacation #ancientlandmark #ancientarchitecture #summervacation#urbanexplorer

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul - Turkey: This is the famous historical building with underground cistern which is wuite an amazing place with Medusa heads upside down. This as a great experience tgat I have never seen this kind of thing before.

The Basilica Cistern, also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is an impressive underground water reservoir dating back to the 6th century. Commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532, it served as a water storage facility for the Great Palace. The cistern covers a massive area of 9,800 square meters, measuring 140 meters long and 70 meters wide. Its Roman architecture gives it the appearance of an underground palace. The ceiling is supported by 336 reused columns from ancient Greek times#istambul

The Basilica Cistern in Turkey is definitely worth a visit

It really resembles the scenes from some video games, or rather, many game scene designs are inspired by it. Just looking at it can remind you of certain levels. As for the history, it's true that you need to do some homework before going, or patiently read the on-site introductions (which mainly talk about Turkish hydraulic engineering). Many people don't think highly of it, finding it boring and not worth the ticket price, but if you're interested in the history of Istanbul, or if you like playing games and reading novels, the cistern is definitely worth a look. Here's a bit of history: The Basilica Cistern, known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, which means 'Subterranean Cathedral', was one of the sources of drinking water for the citizens of Istanbul 1500 years ago. It was built beneath a basilica, hence its name, initially constructed by Emperor Constantine and rebuilt and expanded by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532. Historical records indicate that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. The expansion of the cistern provided a filtration system for Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to supply water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 until modern times. During the Ottoman rule, it was renovated twice, once by architect Mehmet Aga under the command of Ahmet Sultan III in 1723. Another major renovation was completed during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876-1909) in the 19th century. In the Republican period, it was renovated again between 1985-1987, with 50,000 tons of mud used to fill the walkways and platforms, and it was opened for local and foreign visitors to explore. It underwent another cleaning and renovation in May 1994. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28, each 9 meters high and spaced 4.8 meters apart. The roof is supported by the columns through arches that distribute the weight. Of these, 98 are in the Corinthian style, while the rest are in the Doric style.

Turkey | Travel with movies, the mysterious 'Basilica Cistern'

| Travel with movies, the mysterious 'Basilica Cistern'. 🔶🔶🔶The Basilica Cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, originally to store water for the palace and surrounding buildings. It is mysterious because it imprisons the evil Medusa with snake hair. The cistern is not very large, somewhat chilly, and with the dim lighting, the sound of dripping water, it feels like entering another mysterious world. Hollywood's 'From Russia with Love' and Jackie Chan's 'Operation Condor' were both filmed here. 🌟🌟🌟Highlights of the Basilica Cistern👇: ◾️Inside the cistern, there are 336 massive Corinthian columns, each 9 meters tall, supporting a huge brick vault, creating a strong visual impact. ◾️At the end of the cistern, there are two Medusa head sculptures, one upright and one sideways, under two columns. Why they are placed like this remains a mystery to this day. ◾️Different corners of the cistern are paired with various modern installations, creating atmospheres of the future, science fiction, and spookiness. ◼️Attraction: Basilica Cistern Yerebatan Sarnici 🕰️Opening hours: 09:00-23:30 🎫Ticket price: 800 Lira 🚌Transportation: Take T1 to Sultanahmet station, walk to reach, located diagonally opposite the Hagia Sophia. 👁️‍🗨️Visiting time: It takes about 30 minutes to visit.

Romantic Turkey, the Basilica Cistern is still worth a visit

It really resembles the scenes from certain games, or rather, many game scene designs are inspired by it. Just looking at it can bring back memories of some levels. As for its history, it indeed requires some prior research, or patience to read its on-site introductions (mainly about Turkish hydraulic engineering). Many people don't think highly of it, finding it boring and not worth the admission fee, but if you're interested in the history of Istanbul, or enjoy playing games and reading novels, the cistern is definitely worth a visit. Here's a bit of history: The Basilica Cistern, in Turkish Yerebatan Sarnıcı, means 'Cathedral Reservoir', and was one of the sources of drinking water for the citizens of Istanbul 1500 years ago. It was built under a cathedral, hence its name, initially constructed by Emperor Constantine and rebuilt and expanded by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532. Historical records indicate that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. The expansion of the reservoir provided a filtration system for Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to supply water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 until modern times. During the Ottoman rule, it was renovated twice, with architect Mehmet Aga carrying out repairs under Ahmet Sultan III in 1723. Sultan Abdulhamid II oversaw the second major renovation during his reign (1876-1909) in the 19th century. In the Republican period, it was renovated again between 1985-1987, with 50,000 tons of mud used to fill the walkways and platforms, and it was opened for local and foreign visitors to tour. It underwent another cleaning and renovation in May 1994. The ceiling is supported by 336 columns arranged in 12 rows, each 9 meters high, with 28 columns per row spaced 4.8 meters apart. The roof is supported by the columns through arches that distribute the weight. Out of these, 98 columns are of the Corinthian style, while the others are Doric.

Istanbul—The Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern near the Blue Mosque, is a water reservoir built during the 6th century Byzantine period, constructed in the year 542 AD. Hollywood's 'From Russia with Love' and Jackie Chan's 'Operation Condor' were both filmed here. The cistern under the light adds a mysterious color, and the Medusa heads under the stone columns here watch over the flow of time, year after year...

Guide to the Basilica Cistern in Turkey

——The beautiful gem of Istanbul hidden underground 🐍Even after half a year, the memory of the experience is still very special 📍Location: Turkey's Basilica Cistern Yerebatan is located next to the Hagia Sophia in Turkey. From a distance, it looks dilapidated, but it is actually a historical relic 🕰️Opening hours: The Basilica Cistern is open to tourists all year round Peak season (April 1st - September 30th) 09:00-18:30 Off-season (October 1st - March 31st) 09:00-17:30 🎫Ticket price: 20 lira 💡Attractions and experiences: The cistern was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, originally to store water for the palace and surrounding buildings at that time! It is a cistern full of imagination. Entering the underground space exhibition is like traveling through time and space, with the entire space being very orderly, supported by 336 thick Corinthian columns that are 9 meters high, holding up a huge brick arch. Different corners are paired with different modern installations, creating a futuristic/sci-fi/creepy atmosphere 💎Summary and recommendation: Unlike historical buildings of the past, the Basilica Cistern combines the solemnity of history with the mysterious colors of modern light and sculpture, making it well worth a visit‼️ With the mystery and beauty of the palace, it leaves unforgettable memories

【Turkey】The Underground Palace in Istanbul!

📍Istanbul Underground Palace (Basilica Cistern, Türkiye )🇹🇷 Located opposite the Hagia Sophia, this underground palace was once a huge cistern during the Byzantine Empire! The sight of the dimly lit columns rising from the water surface was fantastical. It felt like I had time-traveled to the Middle Ages and was on an adventure✨ The day we visited happened to be International Women's Day, so the entrance fee for women was free. The regular ticket price is 600 TKL, which is about 2800 yen.

The largest Byzantine cistern

It’s a hidden gem underground. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey, it is one of the most mystical and breathtaking buildings in Istanbul. Upside down Medusa head is believed to be brought from an ancient Roman temple to christianise the cistern at the time of the construction #falltrip #freehotelstay #localguides #historicallandmarks #Istanbul #mytravelhacks #familytrip #turkiye #Turkey #Basilica

The original camera checks in the most mysterious relic ~ Underground Water Palace

As one of the most mysterious relics in the world, the Istanbul Underground Water Palace is not only a cultural heritage, but also a mysterious underground world. Here, trace back to the hydrological culture thousands of years ago, and explore the use and invention of water resources by ancient people. The Underground Water Palace is composed of a series of interconnected underground caves. These caves are intricate and complex. The longest one is up to 240 meters long, and the deepest one is called 'Spring of Love', which is 30 meters deep and is the deepest part of the entire Underground Water Palace. The early Underground Water Palace was a water conservancy project that supplied drinking water to urban residents and irrigated farmland. Today, the Underground Water Palace has become a tourist hotspot in Istanbul and even the world. Here, you can not only hear its history and culture, but also experience the mystery and beauty of this underwater dream world. There are many interactive links, such as music performances, dance performances, and wax painting, etc., allowing you to have a thoroughly relaxing experience on all senses. Come on, put on comfortable casual clothes, explore the maze journey of the Istanbul Underground Water Palace, taste the moments related to water in life, and find back the feeling of being moved and surprised.

Can you believe the house is full of water?! Escape room is looking for Medusa

Underground Water Palace The Underground Water Palace in Istanbul is one of the most famous ancient buildings in Istanbul, Turkey, built in the 6th century AD. It was a reservoir during the Byzantine Empire, used to store and supply the city's water source. The underground water palace is supported by marble columns, with a beautifully decorated arch ceiling on top. Inside the palace, there are 336 marble support columns, the most representative of which are two Medusa head statue bases, and a tear column decorated with a row of teardrop-shaped reliefs on the surface. The water palace can store up to 100,000 tons of water, enough to supply the city's drinking water needs for a month. Until the mid-sixteenth century, the Dutch discovered this abandoned water palace and made it known again. The Underground Water Palace in Istanbul has been chosen as a filming location for many films, such as '007 in Istanbul' and 'Agent City'. In addition, the film 'The Da Vinci Code' also made this mysterious place a puzzle in people's hearts. The water palace is also famous for imprisoning the evil Gorgon Medusa in Greek mythology, who can turn mortals into stone statues. Underneath the two huge columns on one side of the water palace is the image of the witch's head, adding a mysterious color to this place. ⏳Play time: ①The entrance and exit are separate, you can ask the staff about the ticket price before entering: 300 lira ②Tour time: about 30 minutes 🍲Dish recommendation: ①Kebab ②Alaca Cake: This is a traditional Turkish dessert made from almond flour, sugar, and honey. Alaca cake is round, covered with almond crumbs and icing sugar, and has a crispy and sweet taste. ③Pide ④Turkish dumplings (Manti): This is a small and exquisite Turkish dumpling, usually made from lamb, onions, and spices. The dumplings are coated with yogurt and garlic paste, and the taste is fresh and refreshing. ⑤Turkish grilled meat wrap (Lahmacun): A Turkish food similar to pizza, made from meat sauce and wheat bread. The grilled meat wrap is round or oval, crispy, and served with fresh lettuce and lemon juice, which is very delicious. The Underground Water Palace in Istanbul is a unique historical building that combines ancient architectural skills and mysterious legends. Whether you are a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or traveler, you can find your own surprises and touches in the underground water palace!

Basilica Cistern - Istanbul

Basilica Cistern is an underground reservoir at a depth of 12 m. Constructed in the 6th century, the cistern was used to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings in the city. The cistern was used until the 16th century. After restoration in 1987, the former reservoir was turned into a museum. Walking paths were laid for visitors, and columns were beautifully illuminated. Now the water level in the cistern does not exceed 50 cm. The attention of tourists is attracted by the “Weeping Column” with the image of eyes from which tears flow, the “Pool of Wishes” where colored fish live, and two columns with the heads of the Gorgon Medusa. Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey. #i̇stanbultrip

The Basilica 🇹🇷 Istanbul

Hidden under the populous streets of Istanbul lay the ancient Roman Basilica Cistern. The history of the Roman outpost of Istanbul is well explained at this tourist hotspot. You can see the incredible technology that the Romans used to provide clean water to the City, long before many other civilisations had begun to follow suit. To enter the site there are two options: 1. Line up and wait for a gap to enter. 2. Prepay online and enter the prebooked line. The first option is a good way to spend your day lining up in the sun, the second is a way to enter quickly. It costs the same, but it does affect your flexibility. Id highly recommend the Basicllica Cistern. It takes around an hour to womble though reading the designs and learning the history and there are lots of opportunities to take photos as they change the lighting every few minutes. #i̇stanbultrip

Basilica Cistern- must visit

Getting There - Basilica Cistern is very close to both Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque. If you are visiting Istanbul, Basilica Cistern is a must visit place. It impresses with its 9m high more than 300 columns and mysterious structures and arts. The lightening makes it even more mysterious and amazing. Attractions - The ticket price is 350 lira. We didn’t buy the tickets in advance so had to wait in the long line about 40 -50 minutes. If you don’t want to wait in the line then you have to buy tickets online. Again, this was worth visiting #istanbul

@ BASILICA CISTERN IN ISTANBUL!

THIS IS ANOTHER HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY AND ANOTHER TOURIST HOTSPOT VISITING ISTANBUL THE BASILICA CISTERN IS THE LARGEST OF SEVERAL HUNDRED ANCIENT CISTERN THAT LIE BENEATH THE CITY OF ISTANBUL, TURKEY. WE HAD AN EXCEPTION EXPERIENCE THAT IS FULL WITH HISTORICAL VALUE WHILE VISITING THIS LANDMARK. USED TO STORE WATER DURING THE DAYS, THE CISTERN IS WORTH VISITING DUE TO ITS HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANCE, UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE AND THE INTRIGUING MYSTERY OF ITS MEDUSA COLUMNS #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Exploring the Basilica Cistern at Istanbul

This is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Istanbul's rich history and architectural heritage. Exploring the Basilica Cistern is a unique and memorable experience for visitors to Istanbul. Visitors often describe the Basilica Cistern as a mystical and serene place. The dimly lit space, combined with the gentle ripple of water and the haunting echoes, creates an otherworldly atmosphere. This ancient underground reservoir is a testament to the remarkable engineering and architectural achievements of the Byzantine Empire. #timetotravel #turkey #istanbul #ancientlife #unique #basilicacistern #travel

🏛️ Unveiling the Mysteries of Istanbul's Basilica Cistern 🐍🌊

#wecreate Dive into the enchanting depths of Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, where Medusa's head silently guards the ancient wonders beneath the city's bustling streets. Explore this captivating subterranean masterpiece, complete with towering columns and shimmering waters. Discover the legends and secrets that surround the famous Medusa heads, which have bewitched visitors for centuries. 📸👟🤫 #BasilicaCistern #MedusaHead #Istanbul #UndergroundMarvels #HistoricalWonders #CaptivatingLegends #UNESCOHeritageSite

💦 Explore the Enchanting Depths of Istanbul's Basilica Cistern! 🕌✨

#wecreate Dive into the mystical wonders of Istanbul's Basilica Cistern! Discover an underground oasis that will leave you awestruck. With its magnificent architecture and serene atmosphere, the Basilica Cistern is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. 🌟 🔍 Useful Tip: Beat the crowds and visit early in the morning to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of this ancient marvel. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing reflections in the water! 📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷 #BasilicaCistern #Istanbul #HiddenGems #HistoricalMarvel #TravelTips #UndergroundOasis #Architecture #Reflections #MustVisitDestination #CulturalHeritage #TravelIstanbul #ExploreTurkey #Wanderlust

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

The basilica cistern was built under the streets of Istanbul nearly 1500 years ago! what an incredible engineering achievement! Ticket prices are 300 lira for adults, with concessions for Turkish citizens. It recently underwent a renovation project a few years ago so now is the perfect time to visit. It was also used as a setting for the James Bond film, from Russia with Love.

Turkey I Moon Kingdom

The first thing that comes to mind when you arrive in Turkey is Istanbul, the mighty Constantinople, a thousand-year-old city that straddles Eurasia. Istanbul itself is a huge museum. The urban area is divided into three parts by the Bosporus Strait. Asia, the new European city in the north to the west, and the old city in the south old Town: 1. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), which is the most famous mosque in Istanbul and the only mosque in the world with six minarets. 2. Hagia Sophia, a huge Byzantine-style dome building with a history of nearly 1,500 years, is listed as a world cultural heritage! The interior is magnificent. 3. The Underground Water Palace, built in 532, is an underground reservoir from the Byzantine period to the Ottoman Empire period. A huge palace is built from 336 huge stone pillars. Pay attention to the exquisite patterns on each stone pillar. On one side of the water palace, notice that there are two exquisite stone statues of Medusa as bases. Why they appear here is still a mystery! 4. The Old Palace, also known as Topkapi Palace, was a place for national ceremonies and royal entertainment in the past. A large number of porcelain, paintings, weapons and jewelry are displayed here, overlooking Bosch Bruce Strait. The tiles on the inner wall of the palace are very beautiful! 5. The Suleymaniye Mosque stands on the west bank of the Golden Horn. It is known as the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul. It is smaller than the Blue Mosque, but there are many fewer people. New town area Attractions include: Galata Tower, Independence Street, Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, etc. 1. Galata Stone Tower, the commanding height of Istanbul, standing on it can overlook the entire scenery of Istanbul. 2. Independence Avenue, Turkey's "Champs Elysees" starts from the medieval Genoa community near the Galata Bridge Tower and ends at Taksim Square. On both sides of the street are famous buildings in Istanbul, the famous The red rail car shooting point on the street can also be bought here. There are many retro shops in the alleys. 3. Dolmabahce Palace is also known as the New Palace. The magnificent decoration inside is worth seeing. Feel the glory of the past and face the sea. 4. Ortakoy Mosque is known as a pearl of Istanbul, Baroque style, very suitable for taking pictures. Back then, I traveled to Turkey on a semi-independent tour. I also went to Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus. 1. Cappadocia ■Goreme Outdoor Museum It is worth seeing that the persecuted Christians built these large and small cave churches. There are all kinds of churches and murals hidden in the steep and weird mountains. ■Different Canyon The volcanic cones here are very spectacular and dense. The famous camel-shaped rock is here. You can join the red line to come here. hot air balloon Most people come to Cappadocia for the hot air balloons. Due to the superior flight conditions, it is also the most popular hot air balloon travel destination in the world. It's a pity that we couldn't make the trip due to the weather. We must always leave some regrets when traveling. ■Cave Hotel When you come to Goreme, you must experience a unique cave hotel for one night, with complete facilities. 2. Pamukkale In order to have a tryst with the Greek moon god Celene, the shepherd Andymion forgot to milk the goat, causing the goat milk to flow freely and cover the entire hill! This is the legend of the Turkish folk Pamukkale. From a distance, the semi-circular white natural steps are layered on top of each other, like snow-built terraces, like big flowers of cotton standing on the hills. When the light of the sun turns from gold to crimson pink rose ash, Pamukkale will be like the most beautiful flower, creating an unbelievable miracle of light and shadow! The white rock surface is dyed a light color by the sunlight, and the hot spring flows down from the top of the cave, washing the hillside into a ladder shape. The small pond that accumulates looks like a mirror reflecting the blue sky and white clouds from the top down; it looks like a volcano that has just erupted, and the white magma covers the entire hillside when viewed from the bottom up! The limestone has turned yellow and gray due to pollution, and the snow-white cotton looks a bit like used cotton. Therefore, you must remember to take off your shoes to protect the environment when you play! 3. Ephesus is the ancient city of Lydia and an important city-state of Greece on the west coast of Asia Minor. It is located at the mouth of the Barinder River near the Aegean coast. In ancient times it was the center of worship of Mother Cybele (the Anatolian harvest goddess) and Artemis. The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is said that the mother Mary spent her last days here. Ephesus in ancient Anatolia was an Ionian Greek city founded by Athenian colonists in the 10th century BC. The city is located in Ionia, where the mouth of the Kistet River flows to the Aegean Sea. It is also the largest ancient Greek and Roman city in the world. It used to be one of the five major cities of the Roman Empire, and it was once prosperous in ancient Greece and Rome. Ephesus is the best preserved classical city on the eastern Mediterranean coast and an important center of early Christianity. As early as the Neolithic Age, more than 6000 BC, there were traces of human habitation in Ephesus. Ephesus was built in the 10th century BC, and it was an ancient Greek city in the early days. For a long time during the ancient Roman period, it was the second largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome. In the first century AD, the population here reached 250,000, and at this time, Pompeii had been wiped out in the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. The city went through ups and downs, and finally declined in the 15th century... Turkey and Greece face each other across the sea, so it is very pleasant to take a walk and drink in the coastal city

Istanbul Underground Water Palace

■One of the world-renowned "must-see" in Turkey, many People believe that this is the most charming and romantic place in the world (YerebatanSarnici). The moment you walk down the stairs, a quiet and otherworldly feeling arises. Ancient stone pillars from different eras, clear pools with visible bottoms, and background music playing indoors suddenly arouse people's interest in learning about history and culture, exploring this underground palace that has existed for 1500 years. It's hard to imagine that such an ancient building, built in the 6th century during the Byzantine period, is supported by only 336 stone columns and its huge dome has stood for millennia. ■The purpose of building this water palace back then was simple, which was to provide safe water supply. This unique water supply method solved the problem of water shortage around the city, such as the concern of enemies poisoning the drinking water to attack Constantinople. High water tank walls were built throughout the city, and this underground water palace was used for water storage. ■The government has built a tourist boardwalk in the underground water palace, leading people to explore the unknown world in the darkness. Along the way, you will find that the pillars of the water storage tank are not the same, with various forms and patterns. It turns out that the builders of the water palace took the entire pillars from ancient temples of the Byzantine Empire and used them as the backbone of this building. Among them, two pillars are often surrounded by crowds, they are the famous "Medusa Head Column" and "Tear Column". "Medusa Head Column" is a perfect example of ancient Turkish art sculpture. And the "Tear Column" is said to bring good luck to people, as long as they stretch their thumbs into the hole and draw a circle, their wishes can come true. The pool under the stone pillar is also used as a wishing pool by people, filled with coins. Even more surprising, the water in the underground water palace is still being consumed by people today. It is said that a small hotel nearby is enjoying this privilege. Towards the end of the tour, visitors will come to a snack shop with tables, chairs, candles, and menus. Many people will enjoy a cup of authentic Turkish coffee or tea in this unique place. Underground Water Palace

Istanbul Cisterns:

The cisterns, featured in many movies including the Davinci Code, are an amazing escape from the busy streets of Istanbul. If you come at off hours, you feel almost alone in an alien, subterranean castle. The art installations and lighting are wonderful additions the the environment. Be careful, however. at certain times the lights go off, and you will have to freeze and admire the all encompassing dark until they come back on.

Medusa column bases

Medusa column bases is located in the northwest corner of the cistern, the bases of two columns reuse blocks carved with the visage of Medusa. The origin of the two heads is unknown, though it is thought that the heads were brought to the cistern after being removed from a building of the late Roman period.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey.

Basílica Cistern - Istanbul

Basilica Cistern is a popular landmark which you should visit if you are in Istanbul. This is the largest cistern in Istanbul which gives you an insight of the water filtering and distribution system in the past. There is an incredible Medusa head upside down which is creepy but you can see how well preserved it is and all the details are incredible. The recommended sightseeing time is half an hour or maximum one hour. This is a good option if you want to take a break of visiting churches, temples or mosques. It opens to the public everyday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. #createwithtrip #turkey #holidays #exploring #createwithtrip

It used to be the location of "The Istanbul" and Jackie Chan's movie "The Secret Service". I see the sisters who are also playing here. High This is one of the most romantic and mysterious spots in Istanbul. In this huge underground palace built from 300 large stone columns, there is a mysterious tear column with a tree streak and a peacock eye. Legends will bring good luck to people. Just draw your thumb into the hole and draw a circle to achieve your wish. There are two stone pillars that are particularly interesting to tourists, one is the "Medusa Head". In Greek mythology, the beauty of the snake, Medusa, represents evil. The blue devil eyes in Turkey and Greece are said to be Medusa's eyes. The arrangement of the two Medusa heads is not the same, one head down and one side face down. Pressed by a huge stone column at the bottom of the underground palace. Bless the city forever from the evil forces.

It was originally a reservoir built in the Byzantine period of the 6th century for war. According to historical records, the underground palace was in 542 AD, and Julianian the Great used 7,000 slaves to build on the ruins of the church. On the one hand, it was to ensure the supply of water to the court, and on the other hand to prevent enemies from being trapped and prepared. Water Palace has a water storage capacity of 100,000 tons. If it is full of water, it is said that it can be used for a month. In the city of Istanbul, there are numerous underground palaces, but the Jelebatan Groundwater Palace is the largest of them. The entire water palace is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide. The 336 tall and 9-meter-high Corinthian stone columns support huge brick vaults, which are said to have been transported from the temples of the Antalya region. . During the Ottoman Empire, the Water Palace was abandoned until the mid-16th century, when the Dutch did not intend to discover it, only to make it see the sky again. Hollywood's "007 in Istanbul" and Jackie Chan's "Secret City" have been here. On December 28th, 2016, the film "Dante Password" was released here.