The Basilica Cistern is a closed water cistern built in 526-527 to meet the water needs of the city in Istanbul.
It is in the Sogukcesme Street, southwest of Hagia Sophia. Due to the many marble columns rising from the water, it is called the Basilica Palace among the people. It is also called Basilica Cistern because there was a basilica on the cistern before.
The cistern, which was built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, was connected to Hadrian's waterways, which supplied the water needs of the areas between the first and second hills of the city. After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans, it served as a water distribution center around Sarayburnu and the Garden Gate; Although it was not used after the Ottomans established their own water facilities in the city, it became a physical symbol representing the neighborhood in which it was located; His name was given to the palace, the stables of the grand vizier, the street and the neighborhood.
Today, it is used as a museum and event venue. One of the affiliates of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Kültür A.Ş. operated by.
Where is Yerebatan Cistern?
It is located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia, next to the Million Stone, which was accepted as the zero point of the world in the Byzantine Empire. Binbirdirek Cistern is located in the same area as the Şerefiye Cistern, Achilles and Zeuksipposs baths.
How to get to Basilica Cistern?
Located on the European side of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is very close to the Hagia Sophia Mosque in the Sultanahmet district. Located in the heart of the city, the Basilica Cistern is among the most important stops of a beautiful Istanbul tour, as it is close to other important historical buildings. Those who want to go to the Basilica Cistern can reach Sultanahmet Station by using the T1 tram line.
Architectural features of the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a rectangular building built of brick, sitting on a rocky ground. Its measurements were taken for the first time by the German archaeologist Eckhard Unger during the First World War and it was stated that it was 138 x 64,6 m.
It is estimated that the cistern was built to meet the water needs of the monumental structure called Basilica Stoa and the region, which is thought to have been on it in the past. It has a water storage capacity of approximately 100.000 tons.
There are 336 columns carrying the brick vault on it. There are 28 rows of columns in the east-west direction and 12 in the south-north direction. II on the northwest side. The 41 columns remaining in the area that was closed during the reign of Abdülhamit are not seen today.
Reused materials such as decorated columns, Corinthian capitals and inverted Medusa capitals were used in the building. 98 columns were specially made for the Basilica Cistern.
The building is reached by stone stairs on the southeast side.
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