Basilica Cistern

One of the magnificent historical structures of Istanbul is Baslilica Cistern in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. The esnormous undergroung cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor I.Justinianus and thanks to marble columns rising from the water level and seeming like countless in number, it was named “Yerebatan Sarnıcı” among public.Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453 and the gardens of Topkapı Palace where the sultans lived were watered through this cistern.Two Medusa heads used as the bases of two columns in soutwestern part of the Cisterns are masterpieces of sculpture art in Roman Period. Ot is not known where these Medusa heads were taken and brought in the cistern,yet thet are the ones attracting visitors most.The cistern, like in the pas,has been goging on its survival adventure with fish everywehere.Visitors here in the cistern to see the Medusa head and accompany of fish of and a somoothing music. Moreover, combined with the atmosphere of the cistern in a perfect restaurant.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013 at 10:45 am and is filed under Istanbul, Museums, Touristic Regions, WELCOME TO TURKEY. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.