BASILICA CISTERN (YEREBATAN SARAYI)

Literally "the cistern buried under the earth", after its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarnıcı, the Basilica Cistern is one of the most impressive remains of the Byzantine era. If you make this visit in summer it will also be an opportunity to escape the heat. It is the third most visited site in Turkey and, useful information for James Bond fans, it hosted the famous agent 007 during the filming of Goodbye Russia in 1963. Built under Justinian in the 6th century, it originally supplied the Grand Palace and the baths of Zeuxippe and then the Topkapı Palace. Fifteen centuries later, it has lost none of its mysticism and majesty. Plunged into the half-light, the 336 columns of the building walk their silhouette to the rhythm of a soft melody, making the atmosphere of the place unique and hushed; only the fish come to disturb these stone giants by tickling their feet! During the visit, we instinctively whisper, probably for fear of breaking the magic or, who knows, of awakening the wrath of Medusa, the terrifying Gorgon sculpted in two blocks of stone. According to Greek mythology, Medusa is one of the three Gorgons, a trio of female monsters. Medusa, with the head of a snake, has the power to paralyze those who look at her, hence the verb "medusa". The head of Medusa seen in the cistern could be a symbol of protection, but it was more likely recovered from a monument of the Roman period. The cistern reopened at the end of July 2022 after a few years of renovation and the underground structure was completely revamped to be more resistant to possible earthquakes. In the hall, several new contemporary sculptures, which in no way denature the place, emerge from the water and welcome visitors. An important work has also been done on the lighting and this effort is illustrated by the exhibition on the theme of "light" and the projections of translucent jellyfish that dance on the columns. This new lighting design emphasizes the mystical character of the place and the famous Medusa heads seem more real and terrifying. With its exceptional acoustics, the Citerne also hosts concerts and other cultural events. This restoration is a real success, as shown by the long queues at the entrance since the reopening.