Basilica Cistern Istanbul
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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) - Istanbul
Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet, 9am-6.30pm
A giant underground cistern built by Justinian in 532 to provide water to the city in cases of siege. A wooden walkway winds between the pillars, and lights and piped music add to the eerie atmosphere. Bring some type of fish food as you'll see enormous fish swimming below your feet. The statues of Medusa are impressive. The cistern has an intriguing story behind its rediscovery, in fact it was only rediscovered in the 16th century when a French archaeologist found locals catching fish by lowering buckets through holes in their floors.
Entrance:
3YTL for Turkish citizens, 10 YTL (no concessions).
Sights not to be missed in Istanbul:
» Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)
» Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
» Sultanahmet Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii, The Blue Mosque)
» Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
» Gran Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
» Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı, also known as Spice Bazaar)
» Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)
» Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi)
» Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
» Galata Whirling Dervish Hall