This gorgeous 1500-year-old subterranean Roman water reservoir is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time. The name is Basilica Cistern and it is a true architectural wonder that was built during the same time as her neighbor, another behemoth, Hagia Sophia.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, officially transitioned to its current name in 1930, when Turkey requested all foreign countries to refer to the city as “Istanbul” in international communications. Today, Istanbul has expanded far beyond the boundaries of ancient Constantinople, now covering an area roughly 400 times larger than its predecessor.
Constantinople, founded as Byzantium by the Greeks in the 7th century BCE, initially faced a significant challenge due to its lack of natural freshwater sources. To sustain the growing city, the Greeks developed one of the earliest aqueduct systems, bringing water from nearly 20 kilometers away. When the Roman Empire transformed Byzantium into Constantinople, they expanded this water infrastructure, especially under Emperor Valens in the 4th century. The Romans constructed the impressive Aqueduct of Valens, which carried water from springs over 250 kilometers away, making it one of the longest water channels of the ancient world.
To ensure a reliable water supply within the city, both the Romans and the Byzantines built an extensive network of over 150 underground cisterns. These cisterns stored water not only for everyday use but also for vital structures like palaces and public baths. The Basilica Cistern, among the best-preserved examples, showcases the sophisticated engineering that supported Constantinople for centuries. Over time, many of these cisterns were lost or destroyed, but a few, like the Basilica Cistern, remain as lasting legacies of the city’s innovative past.
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Underground Cistern, was built in the 6th century AD during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Its construction took place between 532-542 AD and it was completed in a relatively short time, within a period of about 10 years.
Located in the heart of Constantinople, practically right next to the Hagia Sophia and the former imperial center, the Basilica Cistern was one of many underground cisterns built during the Byzantine period. However, as the imperial cistern, it stands as the largest and most well-known of them.
HISTORY OF THE BASILICA CISTERN
When Emperor Constantine declared Istanbul as the new capital of his newly-reunited empire’s capitol, he did so with a clear purpose in mind: he wanted the most centrally-located and easily-defensible location he could find. And Istanbul, or Byzantium as it was then called, was hand-picked as the most fitting to that criteria. But this sweet sweet location had one major problem: it lacked a reliable source of fresh water! So the Romans had to bring it from afar!
The Basilica Cistern was a critical component of the city’s water system, supplied by aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest. It could store up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. This was particularly important for Constantinople, a city that frequently faced sieges and needed a secure water supply.
BYZANTINE PERIOD
During the Byzantine period, the Basilica Cistern was used to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill. For almost a millennium, the cistern played a crucial role in providing a steady water supply to the city, especially during times of drought or siege. It was also used as a public water source for the citizens of Constantinople.
Interesting Anectodes
There are several notable moments and anecdotes related to the Basilica Cistern during the Byzantine period:
- During the Nika Riots in 532, the cistern was used as a temporary dungeon to hold and torture rebel prisoners.
- In 860, the cistern was damaged by an earthquake, and the Byzantine Emperor Basil I had it repaired and expanded.
- During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Latin Crusaders who captured Constantinople are said to have used the cistern as a stable for their horses.
- In the 14th century, during the reign of Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos, the cistern was repaired and several new features were added, including an inscription in Greek commemorating the restoration work.
Ottoman Period
The Ottomans famously took over the city in the year 1453 and they continued to utilize the cistern. In the year 1545, a European traveler and antiquarian named Peter Gyllius who traveled extensively in the Ottoman Empire, wrote a book about his travels, which included a description of the cistern and its features. Gyllius’ account helped to bring the cistern to the attention of European scholars and travelers and contributed to its later restoration and preservation.
16th – 20th century
Luckily 1545 also coincided with Sultan Suleiman‘s long and illustrious rule, which provided an abundance of resources at the time and the cistern was properly restored. From then on, the Ottomans began to use The Basilica Cistern as a water source for the Topkapi Palace and other imperial buildings.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the cistern continued to be used as a water source, as well as a place for people to gather and socialize. It became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and was often used as a venue for events such as concerts and poetry readings.
In the 19th century, the cistern fell into disrepair once again, and was used as a dumping ground for garbage and sewage. However, in the second half of the 20th century, the cistern was cleaned up and restored to its former glory. It has since become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul, with visitors coming from all over the world to marvel at its stunning architecture and mysterious atmosphere.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The cistern is made up of a large open space of 138 meters in length and 64.6 meters in width. It has a capacity of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. For Americans, that is 452 feet in length and 212 feet in width. It has a capacity of holding up to 21,133,764 gallons of water.
The cistern has a total of 336 columns that are 9 meters tall and arranged in 12 rows of 28. Each column is topped by a Corinthian-style capital, which supports the brick arches that form the ceiling. The columns were salvaged from various ancient structures, and it is estimated that some of them date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
One of the most notable features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads, which are placed at the base of two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern.
The heads are believed to have been brought from a pagan temple and are thought to have been used as column pedestals.
Another interesting feature of the cistern is the Hen’s Eye column, which is named after a small hole in its base that is said to resemble the eye of a hen. The column is believed to have been used for divination purposes during the Byzantine period.
Overall, the Basilica Cistern is a remarkable engineering feat that has stood the test of time. Its columns and arches create a mesmerizing atmosphere, and its historical and architectural significance make it a must-see destination for visitors to Istanbul.
Other notable cisterns in Istanbul
The water infrastructure in Constantinople relied on a sophisticated system of aqueducts, cisterns, and pipes to supply water to the city’s residents. The aqueducts brought water from sources outside the city walls, such as the Belgrade Forest and the hills of Thrace, and transported it into the city through a series of underground channels.
In addition to the Basilica Cistern, there are two other notable cisterns in Istanbul that were built during the Byzantine period and can still be visited today:
The Binbirdirek Cistern
The second largest cistern in the city, located a stone throw’s away from Basilica is The Cistern of Philoxenos, also known as the Binbirdirek Cistern. It is an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering, a subterranean reservoir situated in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, between the Forum of Constantine and the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
Despite its rich history and fascinating architecture, the cistern remains relatively unknown to tourists and was surprisingly empty on a recent visit on May 6th, 2023, despite the area being bustling with visitors.
Entrance Fee: 200 TL (About 10 Euros or Dollars)
The Theodosius Cistern
This cistern is located near the Basilica Cistern and was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century AD and to supply water to the nearby palace complex. The cistern has a rectangular shape and is supported by 32 columns. It is much smaller in size than the Basilica Cistern, but still contains several interesting features, such as a well-preserved section of the original roof.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BASILICA CISTERN
The Basilica Cistern is considered an important cultural and historical landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It represents the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering and architecture, and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The cistern has also been featured in various works of literature, art, and popular culture, further cementing its significance in the city’s cultural identity.
In addition to its historical and cultural value, the cistern also serves as a popular tourist attraction and an important source of revenue for the local economy, which has really not been doing so well lately.
Tickets & Booking
Daytime Admission:
- Price: 800 Turkish Lira (23 Euros)
- Hours: 09:00 – 18:30
Night Shift Events:
- Price: 1300 Turkish Lira (38 Euros)
- Hours: 19:30 – 23:50
Includes: Exclusive music concerts and special activities
Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid here.
Guided Museum Pass is valid here.
Official website: yerebatansarnici.com
Here are some tips for travelers visiting the Basilica Cistern today:
- Book your ticket online. And consider a tour guide, it can make a huge difference. Especially when the guide is good! We can help you find one.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Basilica Cistern has an iron walkway, but it can still be slippery and uneven in some areas. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you navigate the cistern more easily.
- Bring cash: While credit cards are accepted at the ticket office, it’s always a good idea to bring cash with you in case of any technical issues.
- Consider a guided tour: A guided tour can provide you with a deeper understanding of the cistern’s history and architecture. English-language guided tours are available for an additional fee.
For specific company suggestions, consider reading our articles Istanbul Private Tours and Istanbul Group Tours
- Visit at off-peak hours: The Basilica Cistern is quite popular, so consider visiting during off-peak hours (early in the morning or late in the afternoon) to avoid long lines and crowds.
- Be respectful: Remember that the Basilica Cistern is a historical site and should be treated with respect. Avoid touching the columns or disturbing the water, and be mindful of your noise level.
- Take your time: The Basilica Cistern is a unique and fascinating attraction, so take your time to explore and appreciate its beauty. The walkway can be slippery in some areas, so take your time and watch your step.
Conclusion
As we journey through the echoing corridors of history, the Basilica Cistern stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of past civilizations. This ancient subterranean wonder, nestled in the heart of Istanbul, is not just a relic of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires; it is a living museum, echoing stories of survival, innovation, and cultural amalgamation. Its survival through centuries of turmoil and change is a tribute to the resilience of human creativity and engineering.
From being a crucial water reserve for a thriving empire to falling into obscurity, and then resurrecting as a cherished historical site, the Basilica Cistern has witnessed the ebb and flow of time. Today, it serves not only as a mesmerizing tourist attraction but also as a bridge connecting us to the mysterious and grandiose world of our ancestors. Its dimly lit, water-filled expanse, supported by colossal columns and crowned by the enigmatic Medusa heads, continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.
Simply glorious! Loved every second of being there last year. Hope to come back soon ❤️❤️
Thanks for the comment Nadia. Basilica Cistern really is gorgeous. Hope you make it back soon! 🙂