Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Historic site · Turkey · Istanbul
Basilica Cistern
A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
UNESCO World Heritage Paid entry about 45 min
For storytellers
Why Basilica Cistern matters
Step down from the busy street into a dim, cool hall where hundreds of columns rise from shallow water. The cistern was built in the sixth century to store water for the palace. Two columns rest on carved Medusa heads. It's atmospheric and very photogenic.
Talking points
- Two columns stand on Medusa heads.
- Soft lighting and music add to the mood.
- It dates from the Byzantine era.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Istanbul
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Palace · UNESCO
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
Market
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Suleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
A grand sixteenth-century mosque by the architect Sinan, on a hill above the Golden Horn.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.