The Underground Palace of Istanbul 'Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Sarnıcı'

The Underground Palace of Istanbul (Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is a historic cistern located in Istanbul, Turkey.

It was built in the 6th century by Justinian I of the Eastern Roman Empire,

and its vast underground space is supported by approximately 336 columns.

The construction was carried out by 7,000 workers.

Also known as the "Sunken Palace," the cistern exudes a mystical atmosphere that fascinates many visitors.

The reflection of the columns on the water, the unique silence, and the harmony of light create a space that feels like an art museum.

It’s a place where history and natural beauty intersect.

Particularly, the Medusa head sculptures, placed upside down or sideways, evoke a sense of mystery.

And then, this column is called the "Column of Tears."  

Why would they carve such decorations into a simple cistern column?  

Isn't it a waste of time and effort?  

You might think so, right?  

In fact, these columns were repurposed from abandoned temples within the Byzantine Empire.  

That’s why carvings and Medusa heads are placed at the bottom of a cistern, where no one would normally see them.

It's astonishing that these stone columns and sculptures, built centuries ago, have retained their beauty to this day.

The Basilica Cistern (Underground Palace) has been used as a filming location for various movies due to its mysterious and grand atmosphere. Below are some famous examples.

From Russia with Love (1963), part of the James Bond series

In this movie, James Bond is depicted traveling through the cistern by boat to communicate with spies in Istanbul. The vast underground space serves as a suspenseful setting that heightens the tension.

Inferno (2016)

Based on the novel by Dan Brown, this movie also features the Basilica Cistern as the setting for its climax. The protagonists face a major crisis in the cistern after solving a series of puzzles. The mystical underground space further enhances the suspense of the film.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Although the entire film isn't set in Istanbul, there is a scene featuring a mysterious underground space reminiscent of the Basilica Cistern.

It's said that this location inspired parts of the film's production.

Thus, the Basilica Cistern, with its unique scenery and historical background, is a highly popular location for films and TV dramas.

It has provided inspiration to many directors and production teams.

The Underground Palace of Istanbul (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) was constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian I (527–565).

It was built to supply water to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire (now Istanbul).

In times of war or siege, securing a stable water supply within the city was crucial to prevent disruption.

However, after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, they preferred using above-ground water sources, reducing the importance of the cistern.

 As a result, the Basilica Cistern remained forgotten for over a century.

Despite this, the cistern continued to exist beneath the city, even as buildings were constructed above it.

In 1545, the French traveler Petrus Gyllius rediscovered the cistern.

He noticed local residents were drilling holes in their floors to draw water from underground

and

even fishing from them.

Intrigued, Gyllius decided to investigate the underground of Istanbul.

Then...

It was huge!!

There were 336 columns!!

So many fish were swimming,

and Medusa's head was submerged!!

This is how the French traveler Petrus Gyllius uncovered the existence of this massive water storage facility.

The cistern underwent several restorations over time and took on its current form. In the latter half of the 20th century, it was opened to the public as a tourist site, and even now, many people visit this mystical space.

I am one of them.

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