📸The underground Basilica Cistern🧊

#ancienttown The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most unique attractions, is a hidden gem beneath the city’s surface. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I to supply water to the Great Palace of Byzantium, the cistern is supported by 336 stone columns, each perfectly aligned to create a mystical, deep atmosphere from every angle. 💰Average Price per Person: 1300 lira Walking through the dimly lit, cool underground space, you’ll encounter two famous Medusa heads—one placed upside down and the other sideways—serving as column bases. Local legend has it that a Byzantine emperor, fearing assassination by poison, imprisoned Medusa here as a guard. To protect himself from her petrifying gaze, he had her heads placed in such a way that they couldn’t make eye contact with anyone, supposedly neutralizing her deadly power. Another intriguing feature is the “Weeping Column,” adorned with eye-shaped carvings that seem to cry as water continuously condenses on them. This adds to the eerie, almost otherworldly vibe of the cistern. If you’re planning to visit, here are a few practical details to keep in mind: • Expect to queue for at least an hour during peak season • The entrance fee is 1300 lira (subject to change, and it might increase in the future)😳 • The interior has a musty smell. • Staying too long might cause some rheumatic discomfort 🥲 • Essentially, it’s a large underground reservoir, so your visit might be quick—about 25 minutes • There are a few statues that give off serious Cthulhu vibes🤭 📍Address: Basilica Cistern, Fatih