- The Basilica Cistern is an underground cathedral-like structure in Istanbul, Turkey.
- It is located under the Stoa Basilica, from which it derives it’s name, on the First Hill of Constantinople.
Description
- The Basilica was completed in c. 378 CE and was supplied by the Aqueduct of Valens (373 CE).
- It was then greatly expanded by Justinian I in c.537 CE.
- The Cistern was the largest of all the underground cisterns in Constantinople, being approximately 450 x 210 feet (138 x 65m), with a capacity for 100,000 tons of water.
- It has 336 marble columns (each 30 ft (9m high) arranged in 12 rows, supporting a ceiling of vaults and arches. The ceiling can be viewed in the reflection on the water. The cistern is lined by a brick wall sealed with waterproof mortar.
- There is a stone staircase descending into the cistern consisting of 52 steps.
- Some of the masonry appears to have been reused from other buildings, including two Medusa Heads and a column with a peacock feather design.
- There is a Coffee Bar with tables to sit down and admire the architecture.
In Film and DVD
- The cistern featured in the James Bond film From Russia with Love:
- Imdb From Russia with Love (1963)
Basilica Cistern