The Basilica Cistern located near the Hagia Sophia, also built under the reign of Justinian I, was another site on our must see list, and did not disappoint. This vast subterranean structure was once capable of storing 2,800,000 cubic feet (80,000 cubic meters) of water, and supplied the Constantinople palace and surrounding city.
Having recently reopened after a recent restoration we were able to walk along a metal grate walkway over the water and through the 336 columns, past several contemporary art installations. The preternatural lighting adds an otherworldly quality creating a mysterious and captivating effect.
Viking Ocean Cruise lines has a really well produced 2 min video on the Basilica Cistern well worth watching:
In the 1963 United Artists film From Russia with Love, special agent James Bond rowed through the cistern. This was well before the several restorations and earthquake proofing when tours were with row boats:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C4onQG3ViY
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