Basilica Cistern

This enormous underground chamber was built in the 6th century and it stored water for the whole city.

Constructed by over 7,000 slaves, this enormous structure's capacity is 80,000 cubic metres of water. 336 marble columns support the ceiling and their heads reflect various styles, some of them Corinthian, and some of them Dorian.

But the numbers aren’t as impressive as the cistern itself. No wonder that many filmmakers were drawn to this place. That is why you may recognise these pillars from the James Bond film From Russia with Love or from the latest movie adaptation of Dan Brown’s book – Inferno.

You can get here by tram, the nearest tram station is Sultanahmet (line 1).