Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey

The Basilica Cistern is the largest and most grand known Cistern sitting below Istanbul. It is so named because it was originally built between the 3rd and 4th centuries as part of the construction of a Basilica that no longer stands. The cistern is 453 ft and 213 ft with 30 ft columns. It is capable of holding 2,800,000 cu ft of water.

Speaking of columns, the cistern has 336 columns, some of which are uniquely decorated. Two have large marble medusa heads at the bottom and another is decorated with a "tear drop" pattern. The Cistern today is home to a few art installations. So when you watch the video, don't think the Byzantines were projecting an animated tree on the wall

It's amazing the cistern was so ornate. It's effectively a water well that few probably went into the depths of. It was a beautiful sight.Read more