TURKEY: Ancient BASILICA CISTERN in ISTANBUL (Cisterna Basilica)

Basilica Cistern (or Cisterna Basilica), City of Istanbul, Turkey - the stunning Basilica Cistern (or Cisterna Basilica) in Istanbul in Turkey. Let's visit the Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica which is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The Basilica Cistern (or Cisterna Basilica) is located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Today, the Basilica Cistern is kept with little water, for public access inside the space.
Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the Basilica Cistern.
The enlarged Basilica Cistern provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to provide water to the Topkapı Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.
This subterranean cistern was called Basilica because it was located under a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica. At this location, and prior to constructing the cistern, a great Basilica stood in its place, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the Early Roman Age as a commercial, legal and artistic centre. The basilica was reconstructed after a fire in 476.
Ancient texts indicated that the basilica contained gardens, surrounded by a colonnade and facing the Hagia Sophia. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine built a structure that was later rebuilt and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532, which devastated the city.
#Istanbul #Turkey #VicStefanu

[@kennethstark9383]

Vic it’s magical what a beautiful building thoroughly enjoyed it I could have watched it for a lot longer thanks 👍🇬🇧🇬🇷

[@VicStefanu]

Thanks 👍

[@jyotipoly]

Revealed the magic of cistern... awesome

[@VicStefanu]

Many thanks!! 👍👍👍

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Built 500 AD. The United States is so young compared to the rest of the World. Vic, thank you taking us around the World. Greetings from Charleston, West Virginia, USA

[@VicStefanu]

Glad you enjoyed it!! 👍👍👍

[@clubfrancofun]

I just returned from my first trip to mesmerising ISTANBUL. This magnificient structure was sadly shut for tourists for renovations. I am really glad I found your very informative video. Hope to visit this site some time in the future. It looks spectacular.

[@VicStefanu]

Sorry to hear that you missed viewing this remarkable site in Istanbul. I make sure to visit every time I go there, hopefully you will get to see it in the future.. Thanks for watching!

[@Hilgamesh]

This video is amazing. The Romans knew how to build. One and a half thousand years have passed, and the water supply system is still partially operational. Thanks.

[@VicStefanu]

Thanks for watching! 👍👍👍

[@Netz-Vlog]

Thank you for sharing this lovely history.

[@VicStefanu]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@amangogna68]

Very beautiful Basilica Cistern in Instabul Turkey. Great video !

[@VicStefanu]

Thanks for visiting! 👍👍👍

[@Leehensman]

Wow looks amazing Vic, you have introduced me to so many amazing places, this being just one, THANK YOU.

[@VicStefanu]

Many thanks!! 👍👍👍

[@LL-sq8se]

Thank you for all the wonderful videos..you have provided for us over the years! Including this one!!...Happy Holidays to you and yours 🙋👍🎅🤶

[@VicStefanu]

Happy holidays to you too! Thank you for all your support!

[@donbrashsux]

That is just amazing ..what incredible engineering ..thanks Vic

[@VicStefanu]

Glad you enjoyed it!! 👍👍👍

[@jafferjaffer4890]

Thanks for viewing the city of dreams and lots of mysterious facts 😀🙏 Thanks VIC

[@VicStefanu]

Glad you enjoyed it!! 👍👍👍

[@emmafinch2116]

Amazing, thank you 🙏

[@VicStefanu]

Glad you liked it!

[@ItsmeAlexCrete]

Amazing and magic area !! I m sure in live, it was an unique experience ! Greetings Vic!

[@VicStefanu]

Thanks for visiting!!!

[@manifestingbeautifullife2187]

Love~❤

[@kricketflyd111]

Beautiful Manafestation of The Halls Within the ALL. 🌈😇🌈

[@saturnfirepaw]

Nice.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rock_ok]

did JRR tolkein have an inspiration about this on khazaddum?

[@VicStefanu]

I do not know, sorry.......

[@stanleyolivar7381]

I missed this subterranean cistern during my first and only visit to Istanbul. Too bad! 😷

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for watching my videos!! 👍👍👍

[@bobwaters7387]

There was concern that the aqueduct water could be poisoned, thus killing the palace royals. Fish were added. If fish died, poison was added.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello and thank you for sharing with us this information! 👍👍👍I did not know that, very interesting!

[@kishalaybhaumik]

Inside the cistern camera tripod allowed?

[@VicStefanu]

Not sure about that, they do not allow tripods in many historical places in Turkey..

[@ronniecardy]

What a magnificent place that is. Bet you could spend a lot of hrs there

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!! 👍👍👍

[@ANNA.MIXOY...Anna.Michou]

👍

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!! 👍👍👍

[@arthurlejawka6392]

Funny I just recently saw From Russia with Love the other day and thought that’s an interesting place.

[@VicStefanu]

Ok, thank you! 👍👍👍