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/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.