Istanbul’s Ancient Basilica Cistern

This isn’t just any old water tank. Buried under the streets next to Hagia Sophia might well be the most impressive water tank you’ll ever see. Its purpose was entirely functional. Built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565), it provided water to the imperial palace and local residents of Constantinople.

It is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, with brick walls nearly 5 meters thick and the brick floor covered in Khorasan mortar to make it waterproof. It has the capacity to hold 100,000 tons of water. Above it once stood a basilica, now long gone.

The cistern’s builders could have been content at the engineering feat of building such an impressive underground tank in the middle of a city, let alone transporting the water from the Belgrade Forest 19 kilometers away over a series of aqueducts.

But they decided to also show off their ornamental skills by recycling marble columns from other structures, creating what became popularly known as the Sunken Palace. There are 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns. Brick arches distribute the ceiling’s considerable weight evenly over the columns. And to top it off, they added two Medusa’s heads, themselves fine examples of Roman Period art. It’s not known where they came from or why they were installed, although over the centuries a number of legends have been used to explain them.

After the Ottomans took over Istanbul in 1453, the water was used in the gardens of Topkapi Palace—the Ottomans preferred running water over stagnant water and installed their own water supply system for drinking and cooking water. The cistern became largely forgotten until a Dutch traveler, P. Gyllius, rediscovered them in the mid-16th century.

These days the Basilica Cistern is preserved only as a historic landmark. Wooden walkways have been installed, with a few lights to illuminate the gloom. Large fish still cruise the shallow waters, darting in and out of the light.

Photos of the Basilica Cistern

More About Basilica Cistern Istanbul

• Constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I
• Also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, which translates to “Sunken Cistern” in Turkish
• Has the capacity to hold 80,000 cubic meters (2.8 million cubic feet) of water
• Contains 336 marble columns, each measuring 9 meters (30 feet) in height
• Features two Medusa head sculptures, which are believed to have been repurposed from other ancient buildings
• Was an important source of water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and nearby buildings

The Basilica Cistern, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an ancient underground water storage facility built in the 6th century. The cistern was constructed during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and the surrounding buildings. It has the capacity to hold 80,000 cubic meters (2.8 million cubic feet) of water and consists of 336 marble columns, each standing 9 meters (30 feet) tall.

The cistern is also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, which means “Sunken Cistern” in Turkish. One of the most intriguing features of the Basilica Cistern is the presence of two Medusa head sculptures, which are believed to have been repurposed from other ancient structures.

As you might guess from its name, it’s very close to Hagia Sophia (originally a basilica before the Ottoman’s repurposed it as a mosque). The entrance is right across the right.

What’s Nearby to Basilica Cistern Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia Museum
• Topkapı Palace Museum
• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
• Hippodrome of Constantinople
• Istanbul Archaeological Museums

How to Get to Basilica Cistern Istanbul

Basilica Cistern is located in the historic district of Sultanahmet in Istanbul, Turkey. The nearest major airport is Istanbul Airport (IST). To reach the cistern using public transportation, take the M1A Yenikapı-Atatürk Havalimanı tram line to the Sultanahmet stop. From there, it is a short walk to the Basilica Cistern.

What to Know Before You Go

• It’s damp down here. It’s also slippery. The Turks have mastered many things over the millennia, but the non-skid surface isn’t one of them. So watch your step not only on the stairs but also on the walkways.
• The Basilica Cistern is relatively compact and can be comfortably visited in half an hour or less.
• It’s very close to both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Want to Read More About Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city of extraordinary depth and history. If you’re looking to dive deeper, here are some books worth a look. (Some are also available as audiobooks—great for a long flight or train ride.)

Istanbul: Memories and the City, by Orhan Pamuk

In this memoir, the Nobel Prize-winning Turkish author reflects on his childhood and youth in Istanbul, offering a rich portrayal of the city’s history, culture, and ever-changing landscape.

The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain

This classic travelogue follows Mark Twain as he journeys through Europe and the Holy Land, including a visit to Istanbul, which he captures with his trademark wit and humor.

Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide to the City, by Hilary Sumner-Boyd and John Freely

This comprehensive guide and travelogue takes readers on a historical and cultural journey through Istanbul, detailing its most famous landmarks and hidden gems.

The Bridge on the Drina, by Ivo Andrić

This historical novel, by a winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is set in the Ottoman Empire. It tells the story of the construction of the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the lives of the people who lived around it. While not set in Istanbul specifically, it offers a window into the wider region’s history and Ottoman influence.

A Fez of the Heart: Travels Around Turkey in Search of a Hat, by Jeremy Seal

This travelogue follows the author’s journey through Turkey, including a visit to Istanbul, as he explores the country’s history, culture, and politics, all while searching for the once-iconic fez hat.

The Birds Have Also Gone, by Yashar Kemal

In this novel, set in Istanbul, the author tells the story of three boys who capture and sell pigeons in the city, offering a unique perspective on the city’s rapidly changing landscape and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

The Towers of Trebizond, by Rose Macaulay

This satirical travelogue (i.e., a novel) follows the narrator as she embarks on an eccentric journey to Istanbul and the ancient city of Trebizond, exploring themes of love, religion, and the clash of cultures.

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