A unique, fascinating and mystical setting! Yes, I mean cistern! I cannot wait, let’s start!
Basilica Cistern was used as a water reservoir during the Byzantine period, for the large the emperors reside, and for other residents in the region. It is the largest cistern in İstanbul, and also East Roman traces can be seen in its architecture. The real name is Basilica Cistern. However, because of the appearance of the columns, “Yerebatan” has taken the name among the people.
Though hard to believe, there are 336 columns in this huge building. When you first enter the cistern, you will face a 52-step stone ladder. If I need to tell you how big it is, it has a water storage capacity of 100,000 tons. Imagine! The music played inside is also quite influential. Generally, mystical choices have been made, lighting is also suitable for this choice.
Tranquillity, silence and most importantly, you will feel a little shivering, the cistern is now used as a museum. Those who come to the place keep their wishes by throwing iron money in the cistern.
You can see iron money and fishes in water!
Now, we will talk about the most impressive works in the cistern … Medusa heads. As you can see in the picture they are masterpieces! Throughout history, many myths have been derived for the Medusa heads. The reason is that it is not known which structures they are taken from and brought to here. From these three sisters, Snake Medusa has the power to turn his ministers into stones.
Moreover, although the eyes of Medusa first attracted attention at first, you can see that their hair is actually made of snakes. These works, which are not only beautiful but also an eerie size, are really fascinating.
In construction of cistern, 7,000 slaves worked and completed in 38 years. According to a rumor, the tears on the columns tell hundreds of slaves who died in a cistern…
In the meantime, it is useful to warn, the humidity rate is bad for the health of asthmatic patients.
Additional Information
How can we go there?
The cistern is next to the Hagia Sophia Museum. Those who want to reach can use a tram from Eminönü. You must stop at Sultanahmet station, the cistern will locate on Yerebatan Street.
Address: Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3,34410 – Fatih /İstanbul
Phone: 0212 522 81 66
E-mail: info@yerebatan.com
Prices: Student entry fee: 5,00 TL
Full entry fee: 10.00 TL
Foreign visitor: 20,00 TL
Working Hours: Winter Time Application: 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Summer Time Application: 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
We are done! Now it is your choice. 😊
Learnturkiye 