The cavernous cistern.
The cisterns roof is held up by 336 marble or granite columns each approximately 30' tall. The Basilica Cistern. Sultanahmet Square - Istanbul, Turkey.
The cistern is approximately 105,000 sq. ft.
The Basilica Cistern. Sultanahmet Square - Istanbul, Turkey.
The Column of Tears or Crying Column.
Yep, fish.
Concrete walkways allow us to walk thru part of the cistern.
Medusa Head "acquired" by the Byzantine for use as a column base.
Medusa head support base.
This Meduas head was placed sideways to be the proper height to support the column. The Basilica Cistern. Sultanahmet Square - Istanbul, Turkey.
Many arches support the curved roof.
Constantly wet the column appears to be crying.
The Crying Column.
Also called the Peacock or Hens Eye Column. The Basilica Cistern. Sultanahmet Square - Istanbul, Turkey.
The cistern was opened for public viewing in 1987.
Entrance to the Basilica Cistern.
