Fascinating Facts About the Basilica Cistern
History of the Basilica Cistern
- The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
- It is located beneath the ancient city of Constantinople, now Istanbul, and was used to store and supply water to the city's residents.
- The cistern measures 140 meters by 70 meters and is capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water.
- It was constructed using a combination of materials, including brick and stone, and features 336 marble columns, each measuring 9 meters high.
- Many of the columns were recycled from earlier Roman structures and feature intricate carvings and decorations.
- Over the centuries, the cistern suffered damage from earthquakes, fires, and neglect.
- It was rediscovered by the French archaeologist Petrus Gyllius in the 16th century.
- The cistern has undergone several restorations and is now open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction.
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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."
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Know Before You Go Basilica Cistern
How To Reach:
By Metro:
- Take the Marmaray or T1 metro line to the Sultanahmet Station.
- From the station, the Basilica Cistern is about a 10-minute walk away.
By Tram:
- Take the T1 tram line to the Sultanahmet Tram Station.
- From the station, the cistern is about a 5-minute walk away.
By Car:
- The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district, which has limited car access due to its narrow streets and historic buildings.
- There are paid parking lots near the area, but it is recommended to park elsewhere and use public transportation to reach the cistern.
By Bus:
- Take the Istanbul City Lines bus to the Eminönü or Sirkeci station.
- From there, the cistern is about a 15-minute walk away.
Location - Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Best Time To Visit - The best time to visit the Basilica Cistern is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. The cistern is open year-round, but during the peak season of summer (June-August), it can get very crowded and hot inside. It's best to avoid visiting during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest, and instead, opt for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.
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FAQs For Basilica Cistern
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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