Explore Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern, located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, is one of the largest and most magnificent cisterns of the city. It was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and it is known that the cistern could hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water.

 

The Basilica Cistern is a huge, rectangular structure with 336 marble columns, each 9.8 meters high. The columns are arranged in 12 rows of 28 each. The cistern is illuminated by sunlight that passes through an opening in the roof and by hundreds of small lamps. 

The cistern is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors a unique experience. It is also used for cultural events such as concerts.