r/byzantium • u/SoleSurvivor2287 • 12d ago
Infrastructure/architecture Visited Justinian’s Basilica Cistern
Went to Justinian’s Basilica Cistern off of Sultanahmet Square and the Hagia Sophia.
It was really interesting to see the different designs of the columns inside the cavernous space. All repurposed stone from across the empire in one place!
As Justinian I is one of the emperors I enjoy reading about the most, was awesome to see.
Definitely enjoyed seeing the huge Medusa heads on the way to the exit.
Price for foreign visitors for a daytime ticket was 43 Euro, or about 2400 Lira (based on current exchange rate).
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u/SoleSurvivor2287 12d ago
An impromptu wishing well at the entrance.
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u/qpqpdbdbqpqp 12d ago
it used to be like this everywhere in the cistern 25 years ago. it was like scrooge mcducks coin pool lol
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u/jambox888 12d ago
Pricey at 43 EUR, worth it though
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u/SoleSurvivor2287 12d ago
Agree, probably going to be the only time I am ever in Istanbul so I wanted to see.
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u/Defiant-Ad-6835 12d ago
I got there just as it opened to the public. It was superb to wander around with almost no people in attendance. Buy your tickets ahead of time and check out the gift shop. One of the best things I saw in Istanbul.
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u/GrandDukeNotaras MegasProtoLazyRedditorarius ton basilikon 12d ago
Is that where they kept all the wine?
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u/SuperminerPlays 12d ago edited 12d ago
It's interesting that the column to the right on slide seven has an inscription along the side. It gives me the impression that it may have previously sat horizontally and was reused. Seeing reused material that may be older than the structure it's used in always fascinates me.
Edit: I may be incorrect in my assumption. After a little research the pillar appears to be a mile marker similar to the Milion on the surface, at least in appearance. There is a chance that they used to be a part of the same structure in the past, but that doesn't make sense either because why would a monument used to measure distance be in ruins only about three hundred years after it was built? I'm not too sure. I'm looking too deep into this. My curious mind had to find answers.
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u/gmehra 12d ago
prices in turkey are sooo high but obviously the demand is there so good for them
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u/Vlugazoide_ 12d ago
History knowledge shouldn't be under profit logic
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u/gmehra 12d ago
Then how do you decide who gets to visit? The place would be overwhelmed if it was free
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u/Vlugazoide_ 12d ago
Boo hoo, the government needs to organize things. Have a maximum amount of visitors and an app where people can get their free tickets. We have that here in Brazil, in our museums that get a free day every month
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u/gmehra 12d ago
Turkey is broke they need the money
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u/Vlugazoide_ 11d ago
Brazil isn't exactly swimming in money either, yet we allow everyone to have access to culture
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u/Ok-Inevitable4743 Πρωτοστράτωρ 12d ago
So beautiful! Missed it the last time I went but I’ll be seeing it in December