First time I had seen this place was in the movie Inferno and it had captivated me, since then it was always on my mind that whenever I will visit Istanbul I will surely see this place. It is the Basilica Cistern, one of the oldest underground water storage, though not any more. Now it is a tourist attraction and I must say it is worth visiting. I have never seen anything like this before. It's called Basilica Cistern because is was built under the Basilica located west of Hagia Sophia Mosque, which was at one time even a Basilica.
The whole underground structure was built in the 6th century from the columns of the ruined temples of that time for the purpose of underground water storage. There are totally 336 columns which are so perfectly placed. Looking at this place one will never think that it was built for the purpose of water storage. When you look at it, you feel it must be for something more significant purpose. I can say it is truly one of the wonders of the world. In that time to go this deep and place these pillars with such precision must have been something else only.
The view from above
The water still keeps dripping from above
I am in awe of this place, I still cannot believe that the purpose of this place was to store water.
There is a Medusa head also on one of the pillars. Medusa is described as a woman with living snakes on her head and it is said that her appearance was so evil that anyone who looked at her would turn in to a stone.
Some of the pillars had carvings also on them
There is lighting effect given to this place, which makes it look very attractive.
Some of the pillars have a wider base
At some places they have kept a few things for attraction and to deliver some messages. Like this one is about Jelly fish which have been on the planet for millions of years.
I found this place very magnificent. And it's a tick for me, one more completed.
Thank you for visiting my blog. 👼🏻👼🏻💖💖🌹🌺🌸
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