The Basilica Cistern Museum was reopened to visitors after a comprehensive restoration for the first time in 1500 years.
During the rule of Byzantium, the Basilica Cistern used to meet the water needs and requirements of the great palace that covered a wide area where the emperor resided, as well as the other denizens in the region. After conquest of the city of Istanbul in 1453, it was used for a little while and water was supplied to Topkapı Palace where the sultans resided.
The cistern is also called “the Basilica Cistern” as it is located on a place formerly known as “the Stoa Basilica.” Built on a 140-meter long and 70-meter wide rectangular space, the spacious cistern covers 9.800 sqm area, in total. The cistern is 9 meter high and has 336 columns with a capacity to store 100 thousand tonnes of water. The cistern is also home to a “tear column” with tear-like decorations and two “Medusa heads” which are considered to be among the masterpieces of the Roman sculpture.
The Basilica Cistern Museum is open to visitors every day of the week between 09.00 and 19.00.
Online Ticket:
https://www.passo.com.tr/en/event-group/yerebatan-sarnici-istanbul-muze-biletleri/247613
