The Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Sunken
Palace" or "Yerebatan sarayi" in turkish, was constructed by Justinian
in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace primarily. Basilica cistern or better known as Yerebatan sarayi is a very authentic place and a must see in Istanbul. I've seen it and it is one of the most amazing places I've been to.
The history to this beautiful place is that the name of this subterranean structure derives from a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. Before being converted to a cistern, a great Basilica stood in its place, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the Early Roman Age as a commercial, legal and artistic centre. The basilica was reconstructed by Ilius after a fire in 476.
Ancient texts indicated that the basilica contained gardens, surrounded by a colonnade and facing the Church of Hagia Sophia. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine built a structure that was later rebuilt and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532, which devastated the city. Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. Today it has been completely renovated. Water still drips melancholically through the ceiling, and the brick-domed ceiling echoes classical music. This historical construction has to be one of my favourite places I've been to!
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