While in Istanbul we visited the amazing Basilica Cistern. This cavenous underground water cistern was built around 532 AD during the Byzantine Emperor Justinian's reign to cater for the demands of the Great Palace (Topkapi Palace). the Cistines roof is held up by336 columns, each over 8 m high.
For a century after the conquest the Ottomans were unaware of it's existance. It was rediscovered after the local residents were found to be collecting water and even fish by lowering buckets through holes in their basements!
Tom captured these amazing photos using the big Nikkon.
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Deep into the Cistern two columns rest on Medusa head bases. They are thought to mark a nymphaeum, a shrine to the water nymphs.
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| Fran with the Head of an Upside down Medusa |
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| Medusa on her Side |
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Today there is even a cafe and tourist gift shop inside to serve the thousands of tourists who viist each day. Also regular concerts are performed. Imagine how erie that must be.
What an amazing place this was!
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