Instagrammable Corners of the Basilica Cistern

This is the most photographed area in the entire cistern, and for good reason. The central aisle features 336 marble columns lined up in perfect symmetry, forming 12 rows of 28. Each column stands 9 metres tall and was sourced from across the Roman Empire. The mix of Corinthian, Ionic and Doric capitals gives the space a textured, layered look. The soft orange lighting reflects off the water below, doubling the visual depth and adding a mirror effect. If you want a great photo, stand right in the centre and aim low to get the full stretch of columns in one frame.

Tucked into the northwest corner, the Medusa heads in Basilica cistern instantly grab attention. One is upside down, the other is placed sideways. Their origin is still debated, as some say they came from a Roman temple, while others believe they were reused from older ruins. These heads now support two columns, and their eerie placement adds a mythical layer to the site. Many believe they were oriented this way to neutralise Medusa’s deadly gaze. This corner is darker, so using a low ISO and wide aperture helps get sharp, atmospheric close-ups of the carvings. It is a must-stop spot for anyone curious about ancient legends.

Unlike the others, this column has teardrop-like engravings and stays damp year-round. Known as the Weeping or Crying Column, it is said to honour the workers who lost their lives during the cistern’s construction. Located near the Medusa heads, it is easy to find and often surrounded by visitors making silent wishes. The surface has peacock eye patterns and appears to cry, a detail that adds both emotion and visual texture to your photos. For the best results, use natural framing and get in close to show the column’s distinctive carvings clearly.

This is where the real magic happens. The shallow water covering the cistern’s floor turns into a giant mirror when undisturbed. Reflections of the arches, columns and soft lights create a symmetrical effect that makes your photo stand out without effort. Originally, this reservoir stored up to 80,000 cubic metres of water. Now, the maintained water level adds to the cistern’s calm feel. You might even spot fish swimming below the columns. Stand still, wait for the water to settle, and use long exposure if you are aiming for high-quality reflections.

Look up. You will notice that each column has a different capital, mostly Corinthian with carved acanthus leaves, some Ionic with scroll-like volutes. These were often taken from earlier Roman and Greek buildings, which was common in Byzantine construction. It is a fine example of spoliation, where older materials are reused for new structures. These capitals show the level of artistry that went into even the most functional spaces. If you enjoy capturing textures, use a zoom lens or crop in tightly during editing to highlight the precision and age in each carved surface.

The moment you enter the cistern is worth photographing. You descend 52 stone steps that lead from the noisy streets of Istanbul into a quiet, dimly lit chamber. This staircase sets the tone for what follows. The lighting changes from daylight to warm interior glows, offering a stark contrast that plays well in photos. Capture a wide shot from the top or get someone walking down for scale. The combination of shadows, stone walls and the first sight of the marble columns at the bottom creates a powerful introduction to the space.

These corners are not just visual, but they are auditory. Thanks to the stone arches and vaulted ceilings, sounds like water dripping and footsteps echo clearly through the space. Some corners near the arches amplify these echoes, adding a layer of sensory depth that is often missed. While these spots are harder to capture in still images, they are excellent for video or audio content. You can record short clips of the echoes or capture the feel of the space using a 360-degree pan. It gives your followers a fuller sense of what it feels like to stand here.