Basilica Cistern cistern was built by Justinian I after the bloody revolt of Nika in 532, probably as an extension of an earlier cistern built by Constantine the Great. During the Byzantium period, it was used as a water storage reservoir for the Grand Palace and other buildings on the First Hill. During the Ottoman period, water was used for Topkapi Palace and to irrigate its gardens. However, the cistern enjoyed its brightest days during Byzantine times.
The interior of the underground cistern is excellent. It is 138m, 452ft long by 65m, 213ft wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern in 12 rows. Most of the column capitals are Corinthian or Doric in style. At the other end of the cistern, there are two Medusa heads that are turned upside down or to the side. The heads of Medusa come from an ancient pagan site and the position they were placed in suggests that the people who placed them there were Christians and did not want to remember a god from the pagan period. The water inside the underground cistern is collected rainwater. Tents in the water are a decorative and accessory protection against pollution. Some people even believe that the Byzantines also raised fish in the cistern.
Between 1985 and 1988, the Istanbul City Council carefully cleaned and restored it and built a wooden walkway between the columns. In addition to this, there are special effects presented by a sound and light show. By observing the water level marks on the plaster walls which reach the height of the capitals, we understand that the cistern has been filled beforehand.
Due to its magical atmosphere and great acoustics, this cistern now hosts many classical music concerts.
