Walking through the underground cistern in the half-light listening to the sounds of dripping water mingle with the strains of classical music is an eerie but magical experience.

Reputedly the orginal cistern was built by Constantine the Great with the curent one enlarged and rebuilt by Justinian in 532. It is an amazing feat of engineering seeing the columns (approx. 336) stretch away in front of you and above towards the arched roof.

Don't miss the Weeping Column and the Medussa Head column bases (thought to mark a shrine to water nymphs).

There is also a small coffee shop in the cistern.

13 Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet
Tram stop Sultanahmet
0212 522 12 59

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends