The Basilica Cistern is one of many tanks are in Istanbul

The Basilica Cistern is one of many tanks are in Istanbul. Cisterns are tanks that were built for the city to have water reserves in case of being attacked. Another name (much more attractive) in the tank is called "Sunken Palace".

The Basilica Cistern was built under Justinian I (527-565) to supply the Byzantine Palace. The site (which is named) was the underground basilica of which nothing remains today.

To fill the tank to the aqueducts of Valente (still existing) and Adriano was resorted. These aqueducts were receiving water from Belgrade Forest, about 20 miles from Constantinople.

Basilica cistern
Basilica Cistern BasílicaCisterna, Medusa
One head of Medusa Cistern
Inside the tank
The Yerebatan Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici his name in Turkish) has dimensions of 140 by 70 meters and an estimated could store about 100,000 m3 of water.

The Basilica Cistern is 336 columns 9 meters high. The styles of the columns are varied, as they were reused from old structures and monuments.

The tourist strip is by walkways that go over water. These gateways were placed in the late twentieth century, as was done before the boat ride.

Medusa heads
Among the 336 columns of the Basilica there are two that are based on a head of Medusa, the mythological be turned to stone who looked.

There are various theories about meaning those big heads inside the tank, but the most accepted theory is that they put there for practical purposes, to be used as base of the columns.

our opinion
The Basilica Cistern is a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling Istanbul: the dim light, the background music and the freshness emanating from the water make it a must visit.