Basilica Cistern has 336 Marble Columns and Holds 80,000 Cubic Meters of Water
By James Martin, About.com Guide
A reader wrote that his favorite site in Istanbul was the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıç). I’d find it hard to argue with him. The Byzantine cistern is the largest in Istanbul, and was built by Justinian some time after 532 in Sultanahmet Square near the Topkapi Palace, which drew water from it.
The Cistern got dramatic lighting and walkways in the 1990s, and it’s quite an interesting place to stroll, especially in the off season when it’s not crammed with tourists.
It takes at least a half hour to see the Basilica Cistern. There is a cafe inside near the entrance.
Enjoy our Basilica Cistern pictures. Click each thumbnail picture to see the picture full size.
via Basilica Cistern Pictures | Istanbul Turkey.