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A Journey Through the Enigmatic Basilica Cistern
History of Basilica Cistern
- The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I.
- It was constructed to provide water for the Great Palace and other buildings in the surrounding area.
- The cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul.
- It could hold up to 100,000 tons of water at any given time.
- The cistern was built using a combination of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles.
- Many of the cistern's columns were salvaged from other buildings in the city.
- The cistern's two Medusa heads, which support two of the columns, are believed to have been repurposed from an ancient temple.
- The cistern fell into disrepair over the centuries and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 16th century.
- It underwent major renovations in the 1980s and is now a popular tourist attraction.
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Hidden Gems of Basilica Cistern
One of the most mysterious features of the Basilica Cistern is the Weeping Column, located in the northwest corner of the cistern. This column is supported by a statue of a weeping woman, and legend has it that if you place your ear against the column, you can hear the sound of the column weeping. The source of the sound is unknown, and some believe that it may be the result of water dripping onto the column from above. Others speculate that the column is hollow and that the sound is created by the movement of air through the column. Regardless of the cause, the Weeping Column is a fascinating and eerie feature of the cistern that adds to its mystical atmosphere.
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At the base of one of the columns, visitors can spot a small, circular carving known as the Hen's Eye. The origin and significance of this carving are unknown, but it is believed to have had some symbolic significance in ancient times. Some speculate that the Hen's Eye may have been a talisman or amulet intended to ward off evil spirits, while others believe that it may have been a marker or symbol used by the builders of the cistern. Whatever its purpose, the Hen's Eye is a small but intriguing detail that adds to the sense of mystery surrounding the cistern.
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While the two famous Medusa heads at the base of two columns are the main attraction, there is also an upside-down Medusa head located in a corner of the cistern. Unlike the other Medusa heads, this one is positioned so that its face is upside down, with its hair flowing upward. The origin and significance of this carving are unclear, but it is believed to have been placed there intentionally. Some speculate that the upside-down Medusa head was meant to symbolize the inversion of the pagan beliefs that Medusa represented, while others believe that it may have been a tribute to the genius of the architects and builders who created the cistern.
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If you look closely at the water in the cistern, you may notice a ripple effect caused by the movement of the fish that inhabit the waters. This creates a mesmerizing and almost hypnotic effect that is truly unique to the cistern. The fish in the cistern is a type of carp known as Koi, and they are believed to have been introduced to the cistern in the 16th century by the Ottoman Turks. The Koi is not only a beautiful addition to the cistern but also serve a practical purpose by helping to keep the water clean and clear.
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There is a secret tunnel located in the northeast corner of the cistern that is accessible by climbing down a narrow staircase. This tunnel leads to a small room with a few columns and is believed to have been used for ceremonies or religious rituals. The purpose of the room and the tunnel are unclear, but some speculate that they may have been used for private gatherings
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Know Before You Go To Basilica Cistern
Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Opening Hours:
- The Basilica Cistern is open every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays. The opening hours of the cistern are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with the last admission allowed at 5:00 pm. It is important to note that the cistern may have adjusted opening hours on certain days, such as during religious holidays or special events, so it is recommended to check the official website or contact the cistern directly before visiting. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues and crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Best Time to Visit:
- The best time to visit the Basilica Cistern is during the early morning hours or late afternoon when the crowds are smaller, and the light is at its most dramatic. The cistern is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, with the last admission at 6:00 pm. It is recommended to visit during the weekdays and avoid weekends and public holidays when the cistern can get quite crowded.
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- By walking: The Basilica Cistern is located within walking distance of many of Istanbul's major landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. The distance from the Hagia Sophia to the Basilica Cistern is approximately 300 meters (984 feet) and takes about 4 minutes to walk.
- By tram: The T1 tram line is a convenient way to reach the Basilica Cistern. Get off at the Sultanahmet stop and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the cistern. The distance from the Sultanahmet tram stop to the Basilica Cistern is approximately 500 meters (1640 feet).
- By bus: There are several bus routes that pass through the Sultanahmet district. Take any bus that stops at the Sultanahmet bus station and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the cistern. The distance from the Sultanahmet bus station to the Basilica Cistern is approximately 400 meters (1312 feet).
- By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Istanbul and can be a convenient way to reach the Basilica Cistern. The distance from the Taksim area to the Basilica Cistern is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and takes about 15-20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
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FAQs for Hidden Gems of Basilica Cistern
What is the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century during the Byzantine era to provide water for the Great Palace and other buildings in the surrounding area.
What are some hidden gems of the Basilica Cistern?
Some of the hidden gems of the cistern include the upside-down Medusa head, the Hen's Eye column, and the ancient graffiti carved into the columns.
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What is the upside-down Medusa head?
The upside-down Medusa head is one of the most intriguing features of the Basilica Cistern. It is believed to have been placed upside down to negate the power of Medusa and protect the cistern from evil spirits.
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What is the Hen's Eye column?
The Hen's Eye column is a column in the Basilica Cistern that is carved with the image of a peacock and a hen's eye. Legend has it that if you make a wish and stick your thumb into the hole of the column and turn it, your wish will come true.
Is the Basilica Cistern wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible, although visitors may need assistance navigating the uneven surfaces.
What is the best time to visit the Basilica Cistern?
The best time to visit the cistern is early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The cistern is open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with the last admission allowed at 5:00 pm.
Check Out Turkey Tourism Website for more Information
Visitor's Information