ISTANBUL, Turkey — The Basilica Cistern is located in the historical peninsular of Istanbul in the Sultanahment district. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Justinianus. It's 140 metres long and 70 metres wide. There are 336 marble columns, each 9 metres high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns. Most are in the ionic and Corinthian styles, although a few are Doric style. The water comes from the Belgrade Woods, 19 kilometres north of the city, transported by aqueducts. Among Roman age art sculptures are two Medusa's heads carved into columns.
The Basilica Cistern, known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is one of Istanbul's most fascinating historical sites. Located in the city's Sultanahmet district, the cistern is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Byzantine era. Built by Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD, the cistern was designed to store water for the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. It covers approximately 9,800 square meters and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. The cistern's roof is supported by 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows, each column standing 9 meters tall. The columns, most of which are in the Corinthian style, are believed to have been repurposed from older buildings. This recycling of architectural elements was a common practice during the Byzantine period. Two of the most notable features in the cistern are the Medusa column bases. The origin and purpose of these Medusa heads, placed sideways and upside-down, remain a mystery, but they have become one of the site's main attractions. The Basilica Cistern was forgotten for centuries and rediscovered by Petrus Gyllius, a French researcher, in 1545. He was exploring Byzantine antiquities in Istanbul when he learned of locals drawing water from holes in their basements. Further investigation led him to the cistern, which was then restored and opened to the public. Today, the Basilica Cistern provides a unique insight into the city's past. The cistern's dimly lit environment, reflected in the water-filled floor, creates a striking and somewhat eerie atmosphere, enhanced by the occasional drip of water from the vaulted ceiling. In conclusion, the Basilica Cistern represents a significant part of Istanbul's Byzantine heritage. Its architectural grandeur and the enigmatic Medusa heads continue to captivate visitors, offering a journey back to the city's ancient past.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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