Istanbul - Yerebatan Sarnici 0 Euro Note

Istanbul - Yerebatan Sarnici 0 Euro Banknote
 



Product Code:   TUAR-2020-1
Circulation:        10,000




The Istanbul - Yerebatan Sarnici 0 Euro Note is a souvenir dedicated to the Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı), which is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, located 150 metres 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 it is kept with little water, for public access inside the space.

The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is one of the city’s most intriguing and atmospheric landmarks, making it a destination well worth visiting. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this massive underground structure once supplied water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. Today, it stands as a breathtaking example of Byzantine engineering and imagination.

Visitors descending into the cistern can expect to be awed by its vast, cathedral-like space. The dim lighting, the sound of dripping water, and the reflections of hundreds of marble columns in the shallow water create an almost mystical atmosphere. The structure contains 336 columns, many recycled from earlier Roman buildings, each with unique carvings and designs. Among the highlights are the famous Medusa heads, used as column bases, which continue to fascinate with their mysterious origin and symbolism.

Tourists are captivated not only by the cistern’s architectural grandeur but also by its ability to transport them back in time. Walking through its cool, echoing chambers feels like stepping into a hidden world beneath Istanbul’s bustling streets. It’s a place where history, legend, and artistry converge in a way that feels both haunting and beautiful.

What fascinates most visitors is the unexpectedness of the site—an enormous, elegant underground reservoir hidden beneath the modern city. It showcases the ingenuity of ancient builders while offering a unique sensory experience. For many, the Basilica Cistern is not just a monument but an unforgettable journey into the depths of Istanbul’s layered past, where history reveals itself in the most surprising and atmospheric way.