Mysterious and Beautiful Underground Water Palace

The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı), located near Hagia Sophia, is an underground reservoir built during the Byzantine era. It was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. Due to its grand columns and mysterious atmosphere, it is also known as the "Underground Palace." The walls of the cistern are constructed with fire-resistant bricks, measuring 4.8 meters thick, and the floor is coated with waterproof mortar, ensuring its durability even after a millennium. The cistern is supported by 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows and 28 columns, each standing approximately 9 meters tall and spaced 4.8 meters apart. The ceiling features an arched structure, resembling a magnificent underground palace. Historical records indicate that around 7,000 slaves were employed to build the cistern, highlighting the scale of the project. Since its completion, the cistern has functioned effectively, even continuing to supply water to Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman Empire conquered Byzantium. During the Ottoman era, the cistern gradually fell into obscurity until it was rediscovered by a Dutch traveler in the 16th century. Restoration efforts began in the 19th century, and in 1987, the Istanbul Municipality converted it into a museum. In the northwest corner of the cistern, there are two unique column bases featuring the face of Medusa, the snake-haired Gorgon. One base is inverted, while the other is placed sideways. The intricate details of Medusa's face and her snake hair are vividly depicted. The origins of these bases remain unknown, though they are speculated to have come from ancient Roman structures. However, no evidence has been found to support this theory. Wooden walkways have been installed inside the cistern to allow visitors to explore and take photos. To enhance the visual experience, numerous spotlights have been set up, which change colors periodically, creating stunning and colorful reflections.