Istanbul
Yerebatan Sarayı (Yerebatan Basilica Cistern)
Underground Wonder
13 Yerebatan Caddesi
(Near Hagia Sophia)
Eminönü,
Nearest Train: Sultanahmet
Phone: +90 212 522 1259
Yerebatan Sarayı translates as "Sunken Palace." It's Istanbul's largest underground cistern -- a remnant of the Romans -- and the only one renovated and opened for public viewing. Today Yerebatan Sarayı is a major tourist attraction and offers a 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. Note the two large Medusa heads supporting columns on the north side of the cistern. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the whole cistern. A small entrance fee applies. Fun fact: James Bond canoed his way through the cistern in a scene from From Russia With Love!
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