Basilica Cistern

The two Medusa heads used as pedestals under the two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern are masterpieces of Roman Age sculpture art. Those who visit the cistern watch in amazement IV. Although there is no exact information about which building these heads from the 16th century were taken here from, it is thought that they were removed from an ancient building from the Young Roman Period and brought here.

After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans in 1453, the Basilica Cistern was used for a while and water was supplied to the gardens of Topkapı Palace, where the sultans lived. The cistern, which was apparently not used by the Ottomans, who preferred tap water, that is, flowing water, rather than still water, after establishing their own water facilities in the city, was rediscovered by the Dutch traveler P. Gyllius, who came to Istanbul in 1544-1550 to investigate Byzantine ruins.

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