Hagia Sophia Cistern is an underground structure located in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and was used as a water storage facility for the nearby Hagia Sophia church. The cistern is now a popular tourist attraction and is a great example of Byzantine engineering.
History of Hagia Sophia Cistern
The Hagia Sophia Cistern was originally built in 532 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who also constructed the nearby Hagia Sophia church. The cistern was used to store and supply water to the church and its surrounding areas. It was also used as a source of fresh water during the Ottoman period. The cistern was rediscovered in 1545 by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was restored in the late 19th century by a French engineer, Pascal Coste.
Architecture of Hagia Sophia Cistern
The Hagia Sophia Cistern is a huge underground structure, measuring 140 meters in length, 70 meters in width and 8 meters in height. It is made up of 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows and 28 columns, which support the structure. The columns are decorated with various motifs, such as flowers, palm leaves, rosettes and Greek crosses. The cistern is filled with water from the nearby Lycus River and is illuminated by lights, creating a unique atmosphere.
Features of Hagia Sophia Cistern
- Columns: The 336 marble columns are the most notable feature of the Hagia Sophia Cistern. They are decorated with various motifs, such as flowers, palm leaves, rosettes and Greek crosses.
- Medusa Heads: Two of the columns feature the heads of Medusa, a mythical creature from Greek mythology. The heads are believed to have been brought from the Temple of Apollo at Didyma.
- Underground River: The cistern is filled with water from the nearby Lycus River and is illuminated by lights, creating a unique atmosphere.
Visiting Hagia Sophia Cistern
The Hagia Sophia Cistern is open to visitors daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free, but visitors must pay a small fee to enter the cistern. Visitors can explore the cistern and admire the architecture, as well as take photographs. There are also guided tours available.
The Hagia Sophia Cistern is a fascinating structure and a great example of Byzantine engineering. It is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the rich history of Istanbul and the Byzantine Empire.
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