Basilica Cistern History: Byzantine Origins, Ancient Roman Medusa Heads, & More
The Basilica Cistern, or the Yerebatan Sirnici, as it is commonly known, was constructed during the Byzantine era to supply water to the Imperial Palace and its surrounding buildings. This ancient water reserve has around 336 columns, 2 Medusa Heads, and many arches. Look out for the ‘Weeping Column’, one of its many columns, that has carvings of peacock and tree branches, in memory of the hundreds of slaves who sacrificed their lives during the cistern’s construction.
Basilica Cistern Timeline
- 6th Century: Construction of the Basilica Cistern to supply water to the Byzantine Imperial Palace
- 16th Century: Functioned as the Ottoman Empire’s water reserve and supplied water to the Topkapi Palace
- 20th Century: Restored by Petrus Gyllius, illuminated with lights, and opened to the public
History of Basilica Cistern Explained
Byzantine Era
6th Century
The construction of the Basilica Cistern was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century CE. It was built to supply water to the Great Palace and other buildings in the city. It features a vast network of vaulted ceilings supported by 336 marble columns. Many of the columns were repurposed from earlier structures, and some of them bear engravings and carvings from earlier civilizations, including the Roman and Greek eras.
Ottoman Era
16th Century
During the Ottoman reign in Turkey, the Basilica Cistern was used to supply water to the Topkapi Palace and its surrounding buildings. It was also used to sustain the city during times of drought or siege. It has been repaired and renovated several times over the centuries. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Cistern was abandoned until a Dutch traveler led the initiative to restore the water reserve.
Basilica Cistern Today
Today, the Basilica Cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. In addition to the rows of 336 columns and the 2 Medusa heads, the cistern also features a variety of other elements, including stone faces, branches, and peacocks carved on columns. It stands as a significant reminder of the ingenuity and skill of the ancient builders who constructed it. If you are interested in history or getting up close to the rich heritage and culture of Istanbul, make sure to visit the Basilica Cistern.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was constructed around 532 when Emperor Justinian commissioned it. It was used to supply water to the Imperial Palace and its surrounding buildings.
Emperor Justinian I commissioned this Cistern during the 6th century AD. It took around 38 years to complete the construction of the Basilica Cistern. Approximately, 7000 slaves worked to make the Cistern.
The Basilica Cistern was designed by the architect Tralles and constructed on the backs of around 7000 slaves, many of whom died during the 38-year construction period.
The Basilica Cistern was built during the 6th century AD to supply water to the Byzantine Imperial Palace and its surrounding buildings. It was used until the Ottoman rule to deliver water to the Topkapi Palace and its Imperial Harem.
The Basilica Cistern is located in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. The address is Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Sultanahmet Fatih.
Basilica Cistern is an ancient water reserve, built to supply water to the Byzantine Imperial Palace and its surrounding buildings. The arches and columns are illuminated and make for a unique and eerie atmosphere when you visit the attraction.
The Basilica Cistern was constructed during the Byzantine era. It features a combination of brick walls and vaulted ceilings, which are supported by a total of 336 marble columns. Many of these columns were repurposed from earlier structures and feature carvings and engravings from earlier civilizations.
It cost around €23.90 to visit the Basilica Cistern. You can enjoy skip-the-line benefits and access an audio guide with these Basilica Cistern tickets.
Yes, you can book Basilica Cistern guided tours to explore the attraction. An English-speaking guide will meet you at the designated entrance and take you around. You can get deeper insights into the Byzantine civilization and Ottoman architecture.
Yes, if you love history, you must visit the Basilica Cistern. It had been built during the 6th century to supply water to the Byzantine Palace and its surrounding buildings. Today, it is a collection of 336 columns and arches, standing proud as a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient builders.
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