Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey
I couldn’t help it, you know. Think about Harry Potter, that is.
The books are set in England – I shouldn’t really have been finding associations here in Turkey, in a city like Istanbul with its influences of Eastern Europe and Asia.
But there was no denying it… it was all I could think about as I walked between the large stone columns.
You see, it was all about the name. I was under the streets of Istanbul, in an enormous dark and cavernous vault and I had flashes in my mind of a snake. A large snake.
Do you remember the enormous creature that is released in The Chamber of Secrets? No? That’s fine. I’ll remind you quickly.
It is a huge serpent, with a mouth large enough for a man (or a boy wizard), which emerges from a hole in an underground labyrinth and slithers through tunnels and around columns, splashing in the shallow water, trying to kill the intruder.
It’s called a Basilisk.
And so, there I was, in an underground labyrinth in Turkey with tunnels and columns and shallow water. And what was this cistern called?
The Basilica Cistern.
Does that word sound anything like a killer snake to you? Yep.
So that’s what I thought about a lot while I was underground.
The other main thing which kept occurring to me was how amazing the place looked.
The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century by about seven thousands slaves, according to the best evidence. It is 138 metres long and 64 metres wide and has a ceiling that is supported by 336 marble columns that are each about nine metres tall.
The whole thing was essentially a reservoir and filtration system for various palaces over the centuries. The water came from a source almost 20 kilometres away, along a series of aqueducts.
Although visiting it today shows only a small amount of water underneath the raised pathways, back in the days when Istanbul was Constantinople, much more of the cistern would have been used for water storage.
In the far corner, a long walk from the stone steps entrance, is one of the highlights – Medusa!
Well, her head carved into the base of two of the columns, at least. There’s no definite answer as to why they’re not the right way up but historians do agree that they were intentionally placed that way.
After the oppressive heat above the ground, it was nice to be down in the cool and dark vault. The only light was from the illumination of the columns, which glow like ancient firesticks.
It’s a fascinating part of the city – hidden away from obvious sight but worth hunting out during any visit.
There are some excellent tours of Istanbul that include the Basilica Cistern. If you’re interested, I would recommend one of the following:
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ISTANBUL
Istanbul has some wonderful accommodation and you’ll be able to find whatever style you’re looking for.
BACKPACKER
For a backpacker option, I think Stay Inn Taksim is the perfect mix of comfort and atmosphere.
BUDGET
A good cheap and comfortable option is Meretto Hotel LALELİ.
BOUTIQUE
For something a bit special, I would suggest the modern Hammamhane.
LUXURY
And if you’re looking for 5-star luxury, my ultimate favourite is Raffles Istanbul.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TURKEY?
To help you plan your trip to Turkey:
- What you need to know about the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- Visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- Why this is an important part of Istanbul’s World Heritage Site
- The beautiful travertines that are worth the visit
- The City of Love: Is this Turkey’s best ruins site?
- The museum at Bodrum that takes you under the water
- Why the Lycians were such an important part of Turkey’s history
- See the Lycian tombs from the centre of Fethiye
- Saklikent Gorge offers the perfect natural adventure
- How to make (and eat) Turkish Gozleme
Let someone else do the work for you:
You may also want to consider taking a tour of Turkey, rather than organising everything on your own. It’s also a nice way to have company if you are travelling solo.
I am a ‘Wanderer’ with G Adventures and they have great tours of Turkey.
You could consider:
- The best of Turkey (8 days)
- Turkey Multisport (10 days)
- Absolute Turkey (15 days)
When I travel internationally, I always get insurance. It’s not worth the risk, in case there’s a medical emergency or another serious incident. I recommend you should use World Nomads for your trip.
Shanna Schultz |
Istanbul looks like such an amazing city…the cistern looks amazing. I really want to go there, but I am having a hard time talking my husband into it, There are just so many incredible things to see there (and I think I could get lots for days in the market).
Michael Turtle |
However long you gave yourself in Istanbul, you would be able to fill it. There is so much to see and do in the city. The cistern doesn’t take very long and it’s right in the centre of town, so you’d easily be able to squeeze it in to any trip!
Gaelyn |
What an amazing place. I certainly do get the correlation. Maybe with Medusa’s head not right side up you don’t turn into stone looking at it. You’re living proof of that.
Michael Turtle |
Ah, yeah – I like that theory. That makes complete sense. Phew, lucky someone thought of that and saved my life!!
Natalie |
One of my favorite places in Istanbul. Like Gaelyn, it was suggested to me that the heads are not upright because of the story about being turned to stone
Michael Turtle |
That does make sense about the heads. All the literature I read said that they didn’t know why they weren’t upright. Maybe the historians don’t want to ‘guess’, even though what you say makes completely sense and seems like the obvious answer. I’m so glad you like it there too. It’s super cool!
Laurence |
But was there a depressed ghost?
Michael Turtle |
That would explain the moaning from the toilet. I thought that was something else entirely… 🙂
Lizzie |
This. Is. Incredible.
I can definitely see the likeness – any weird snakey-esque whisperings coming from the walls?
I don’t know how I managed to miss this when I was in Istanbul.. At least it means I have a solid (Harry Potter based) reason to go back.
Michael Turtle |
It’s always nice to have a reason to go back! I should have listened out carefully for the snake-y whisperings. Although, that might have just ended badly.
D.J. - The World of Deej |
With the very first pic I thought to myself “That looks like the Chamber of Secrets.” Great stuff..
Michael Turtle |
How funny that you thought the same thing too! There’s definitely a lot there to make you think of it.
Jeremy Branham |
I give a lot of credit for the Medusa head. That’s going above and beyond what is required! 🙂
Michael Turtle |
But you’ve got to admit it’s a nice addition!!
Angela |
I loved the Cisterna, very fascinating place. Well, I loved all Istanbul to be honest. Trying to arrange a quick jaunt soon 😉
Michael Turtle |
I imagine you could go to Istanbul a dozen times and still not be bored of it. There’s so much to explore and experience!
Elmer Cruz |
Looks like the castle in Narnia too!
Michael Turtle |
I wonder if they’ve ever filmed anything down there. Hmmm… it might be time for a bit more research…
Andrew |
I really enjoyed our time there, short as it was. Such a nice cool place to hang out during the heat up top. Did they have the plastic statue of what a sea monster might look like?
Michael Turtle |
Oh no, I don’t think I saw the sea monster statue. Damn it – I’ll have to go back!! 🙂
memographer |
It is not only the word… the underground looks magical in the pictures… such a cool place! Have to add Basilica Cistern to my bucket list. Thanks!
Michael Turtle |
Definitely worth going on the bucket list. It is an eerie place that feels quite different to the rest of bustling Istanbul above it.
Reena @ Wanderplex |
You know, in those images, it really does look like it’s the chamber of secrets straight out of the movie. Very cool! And loving those upside down Medusa heads.
Michael Turtle |
I’m glad you agree. I was getting worried I was just being a geeky Harry Potter fanboy! 🙂
bursa kuru igneleme |
istanbul is really fascinating 🙂
Michael Turtle |
Yes, it’s an incredible city!
Mark |
Hi Michael, interesting point of view. Congrats for your blog! 😉
Mark
Michael Turtle |
Thanks, Mark.
Gen Smith |
I love Harry Potter, and I love Istanbul. You however, have done something I never thought to do and combined them both! What a fascinating, eerie, and at the same time beautiful building. Thanks for intoducing it to me.