The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern or the Sunken Palace, is a historic underground cistern in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century AD, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, to store water for the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
The cistern is located in the historic district of Fatih and is a popular tourist attraction. It is one of several hundred ancient cisterns discovered in Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern is a large, underground chamber measuring approximately 138 meters (453 feet) long and 64 meters (210 feet) wide.
It is supported by 336 columns, every 9 meters (30 feet) high, arranged in a grid pattern. The columns are made of marble and are decorated with elaborate carvings, including medallions, rosettes, and grapevines. The cistern is filled with water and is lit by dim lighting, creating a dramatic and atmospheric setting. Visitors can walk along a raised platform between the columns and see the cistern from above.
The Basilica Cistern is a fascinating and unique attraction in Istanbul. It is a testament to the city's rich history and serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and engineering skills of the ancient Byzantines.
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