Journey into the Depths of Byzantium
Descend into Istanbul's largest ancient subterranean reservoir. A monumental feat of 6th-century engineering, echoing with history beneath the streets of Sultanahmet.
Architecture of an Empire
Built in the sixth century, during the reign of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) stored water for the Great Palace and the district around it. Its interior covers roughly 10,000 square metres and held an estimated 80,000 tonnes, fed from the aqueduct and distribution network that supplied Constantinople.
The structure is supported by 336 marble columns, many salvaged from older ruined temples, creating a hauntingly beautiful subterranean forest that stands as a testament to Byzantine ingenuity.
Explore the History
336 columns in 12 rows of 28, about nine metres high and roughly 4.8 metres apart.