Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

An extraordinary structure that is built before the Ottoman Empire. Presumably it was the source of water for the numerous sieges that Constantinople had and the nearby palaces. Said to be built around 500AD. Going down to the cistern has to be taken carefully as it is quite dark. It can be slippery as there is water splashing about. The Cistern is impressive and definitively worth a visit when in Istanbul.

One of my favorite sights in Istanbul. If there are not too many tourists it has a magical atmosphere. The music, the lighting. And so many different columns. Brought together form the whole region approx 1,500 year ago. Amazing. Thai place breaths history. Thousands of years.

The queue to enter was very short although hundreds of local school children were all piling in! The cistern was much larger than I'd expected and much more impressive, especially considering it was built 1500 years ago. Most of the water seemed to have been drained at the moment but it was still very impressive with the lights at the bottom of the pillars. Great value at 10 TL each.

This place has a little bit of a mystic atmosphere when there are not many people inside. It's amazing to realize that this place was built so long ago, and has been standing here for over 1500 years. My god, that feeling gave me chills. One of the must sees of the city.

Very historic place! This is where they gather their water at their time. Inside is a little bit dark. You can also a photo booth inside where you can clothe yourself with their traditional dresses or turkey attires. Inside you can found also the story of Medusa. At the end is a little fishpond. Many students during Easter Celebration.