Basilica Cistern Medusa is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is an underground chamber, built in the 6th century, that is filled with mysterious water. It is believed to be one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. The cistern is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can marvel at its many wonders.
History
The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was originally used as a water storage facility for the nearby Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The cistern was built using a combination of stone and brick, and it was designed to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. The water was supplied by a network of aqueducts that were built during the Roman period.
The cistern was forgotten for centuries, until it was rediscovered in 1545 by the Turkish scholar Petrus Gyllius. After its discovery, it was restored and opened to the public. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, and it has become a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Features
The Basilica Cistern is an impressive structure, and it is filled with a variety of unique features. It has 336 columns, each one measuring 9 meters high. The columns are arranged in a criss-cross pattern, and they are made from a variety of materials, including granite, marble, and porphyry.
The cistern also features two Medusa heads, which are believed to have been brought from the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. The heads are carved from marble, and they are placed at the base of two columns. The heads are believed to have been used as anchors for the columns.
The cistern also has a number of sculptures and reliefs, which were added during the restoration process. These sculptures and reliefs depict various scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, including Poseidon, Apollo, and Athena.
Visiting the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is open to the public, and visitors can explore the cistern and view its many features. There is a small fee for admission, and visitors can also purchase souvenirs from the gift shop. The cistern is open from 9am to 6pm every day, except for Mondays.
Conclusion
The Basilica Cistern is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is an underground chamber, built in the 6th century, that is filled with mysterious water. It is believed to be one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. The cistern is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can marvel at its many wonders, including 336 columns, two Medusa heads, and various sculptures and reliefs.
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