Known also as ‘The Sunken Palace’ The Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern among hundreds of Istanbul’s underground cisterns. Open to visitors, the cisterns today offers beautiful lightshows and a haunting ambiance set within an amazing architecture.
Dated back to 3rd century, this early Roman cistern accomodates two large Medusa heads as column base, one of then placed upside down and the other one sideways. The origin of the two heads is unknown but they sure are the spotlight for the cistern’s visitors.
Located at the heart of the old city center Sultanahmet, The Basilica Cistern is only a walking distance away from Istanbul’s major landmarks like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia.
For those who want to explore the enchanting city of Istanbul and its treasures, Vanguard travel services organizes tailor-made tours within this ancient city and helps you enjoy it to the maximum.
(Special thanks to Ozan Kılıç Photography for the mesmerizing photo)
