Interesting Facts about the Basilica Cistern
- The cistern was built using recycled materials. Many of the marble columns used in the construction were recycled from earlier Roman structures, and some of the carvings on the columns are believed to be of Christian origin.
- The cistern is capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, enough to supply the city of Istanbul for several months.
- The cistern features 336 marble columns, each measuring 9 meters high. Some of the columns have been damaged over the centuries, but most have been restored.
- The cistern was used as a location in the James Bond movie "From Russia with Love," as well as in Dan Brown's novel "Inferno."
- The cistern is home to a number of species of fish, including carp and eel, which swim in the shallow water.
- The cistern is famous for its two Medusa heads, which are located at the base of two of the columns. It is believed that the heads were placed there to ward off evil spirits.
- The cistern was used as a location for the video game "Assassin's Creed: Revelations."
FAQs
What is the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage system located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
How big is the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern covers an area of approximately 9,800 square meters (105,000 square feet) and has a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cubic feet) of water.
How was the Basilica Cistern constructed?
The cistern was built using columns and arches salvaged from other structures, including pagan temples and public buildings. It was constructed using a mixture of brick and stone, with a waterproofing layer of plaster on the walls and floor.
What is the admission fee for the Basilica Cistern?
As of 2021, the admission fee for the Basilica Cistern is 50 Turkish lira (approximately $5.50 USD) for adults.
What are the opening hours of the Basilica Cistern?
As of 2021, the Basilica Cistern is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Is the Basilica Cistern accessible for people with disabilities?
Unfortunately, the Basilica Cistern is not fully accessible for people with disabilities due to the steep staircase leading down to the entrance. However, there is a wheelchair lift available upon request.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey that are not well-known but worth visiting?
Yes, Turkey has several lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the archaeological site of Aphrodisias, the Hittite capital of Hattusa, and the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, each offering unique historical and cultural experiences.