BASILICA CISTERN (YEREBATAN SARNICI)

Literally "the cistern buried underground", after its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarnıcı, the Basilica Cistern is one of the most impressive remains of the Byzantine era. If you visit in summer, it's also a great opportunity to escape the heat. It's the third most visited site in Turkey and, for James Bond fans, it played host to the famous agent 007 during the filming of Kiss of Russia in 1963. Built under Justinian in the ^6th century, it originally supplied the Grand Palace and Zeuxippe's baths, then the Topkapı Palace. Fifteen centuries later, it has lost none of its mysticism and majesty. Plunged into half-light, the building's 336 columns silhouette themselves to the rhythm of a gentle melody, creating a unique, hushed atmosphere; only fish disturb these stone giants by tickling their feet! When you visit, you instinctively whisper, no doubt for fear of breaking the magic or, who knows, awakening the wrath of Medusa, the terrifying Gorgon sculpted from two blocks of stone. According to Greek mythology, Medusa is one of the three Gorgons, a trio of female monsters. Medusa, with her snake-like head, has the power to paralyze those who look at her, hence the verb "medusa". Medusa's head in the cistern may be a symbol of protection, but it is more likely to have been salvaged from a Roman monument. The cistern reopened its doors at the end of July 2022 after several years of renovation, and the completely revamped underground structure is now more resistant to earthquakes. In the hall, several new contemporary sculptures emerge from the water to welcome visitors, without in any way detracting from the site. The permanent exhibition "Dans les profondeurs" (In the Depths) highlights the mystical character of the site and plunges us into the secrets of the underground world. Boasting exceptional acoustics, the Citerne also hosts concerts and other cultural events on certain days of the week between 7.30pm and 10pm. You can follow the program on the website. Don't miss this opportunity! The restoration is a real success, as evidenced by the long queues that have been snaking around the entrance since the reopening. Don't forget to book your ticket on the website.