- Of the two that are open to the public, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is the largest and Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction.
- The basilica was designed in the shape of a Greek cross, surmounted by a colossal dome, and approached by a vestibule fronted with six columns.
- Hidden for Centuries: After the Ottoman conquest, the Basilica Cistern fell into disuse and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 16th century.
- That is why these Medusa Heads in the Basilica Cistern are placed upside-down to avoid its direct gaze.
- Information about visiting hours was last updated on May 16, 2024. It should also be noted that there is a practice called “Night Shift” in the Basilica Cistern.
- The tower and spire would be reassembled according to the plans of François Debret, the architect who was in charge of restoring the Basilica in the 19th century.
- The allure of the Basilica Cistern lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in the enigmatic stories that shroud its origins.
- Basilica Cistern Istanbul closed in 2021 due to the ongoing restoration work, and it is expected to open in the next months of 2022.
- We shall find visible signs of the presence of both Euphrasius and the spirit of the East in the rich decoration of the interior of the basilica.