The Basilica Cistern is a structure from the Byzantine Empire, and still exists today.
The building was built by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD, and supplied all the water for the region. In the past, the Stoa Basilica was located on top of the cistern, and for this reason it became known as the Basilica Cistern. It was also known as the Basilica Palace, because of the elaborate columns standing in the water.
One of the outstanding features you will see in the Basilica Cistern, is the Medusa Head statue, the mystery of which is still unsolved. It is not known how this statue came to be in this cistern, but it is considered among the most important works of the Roman Period.
The Basicila Cistern was recently closed for extensive restoration work, but re-opened again in 2022. Today there is the added advantage of spectacular light-shows, and cultural events and concerts by many local and foreign artists are regularly held in the cistern because of the outstanding acoustics and general atmosphere. Not only is visiting the Basilica Cistern a different experience in itself, but you will surely be enchanted by the atmosphere these cultural events and concerts give to the Basilica Cistern.
Note:
The places we have mentioned as ‘favorites’ above are the most famous places of the historical peninsula of Istanbul. We strongly suggest they are places that visitors coming to Istanbul should definitely see and spend time at, and since our favorite places are within short walking-distance of each other, they are places that you should be able to visit comfortably in one day. If you are interested in shopping, traditional culture and fashion, you can spend more time in the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar, but while ‘strolling around Istanbul’ and visiting these places, don’t let your belongings weigh you down.
May we suggest therefore that you safely store your suitcases, belongings and shopping bags at ‘ Istanbul Luggage Storage ‘.