One of Istanbul’s most surprising attractions, the Basilica Cistern is a vast underground hall supported by 336 columns in 12 rows. It was initially begun by Constantine the Great and completed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to store the Byzantine imperial water supply. Many columns were recycled from earlier structures and feature decorative carvings, including the famous Medusa stones in the northwest corner. The beautifully lit columns and the soft trickle of water create a highly atmospheric experience.
