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Yerebatan Sarayi (which
translates as "Sunken Palace") is Istanbul's largest underground
cistern. It is the only one in the city that has been renovated and
opened for public viewing. The cistern was constructed during the
reign of Constantine I in the 4th century and was enlarged by
Justinian I in the 6th century. For much of the Ottoman period it
served as little more than a well and a fishing hole for the locals
in what is now Sultanahmet.
In 1987 the cistern underwent massive restoration work, which
included the removal of 50,000 tons of mud and water. Today
Yerebatan Sarayi is a major tourist attraction and offers cool
respite from Istanbul's searing summer heat. Pulsing lights, water
dripping from the ceiling and eerie music played over strategically
placed speakers add an air of mystery to the place
The cistern is 140 by 70 meters (459 by 230 feet) and holds 80,000
cubic meters of water. Supporting the ceiling of small domes are 336
columns, many of which are mismatched and appear to have been
pilfered from elsewhere. The purpose of the two large Medusa heads
supporting a pair of columns on the north side of the cistern is
unknown, since they were not discovered until the cistern was
drained..
Address: Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet
Telephone: +90-212 522 12 59
Open Hours: Open 09:00-18:00 daily, except Monday (October to March
: 09:00-17:00
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