The Cistern Basilica - Sunken Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi - Yerabatan Sarnici )
The great Byzantine cistern, located across from Hagia Sophia was used to supply the necessary water to the city during the barbarian attacks and when the city was under siege.336 colums wit Doric and Corinthian capitals, were bought from various locations in Asia minor for the construction of the cistern. A monumental aqueduct, built by emperor Valens and still a major attraction of the city provided water to the cistern.
