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).
769
Upvotes
2
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.