Follow Professor Langdon into the Underground Water Palace

The expensive nighttime admission ticket (2400 lira) is solely for the privilege of skipping the line and enjoying a tranquil visit. It is said that before 2023, daytime tickets were only 300 lira. In just two years, the price has increased nearly sixfold, showcasing the severity of inflation in Turkey.

The final battleground in Dan Brown's fourth installment of the Robert Langdon series, *Inferno*, was filmed here. The Basilica Cistern, a massive underground reservoir built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, features 336 columns arranged in 12 rows, each standing 9 meters tall. Among them, two columns have bases adorned with inverted Medusa sculptures, which, in the movie, serve as the hiding place for the virus.

During the Roman Empire, many materials for large public works were "recycled" from older structures, a practice known as *Spolia*. This explains why the Basilica Cistern, a place that was once completely submerged and devoid of sunlight, contains such ornate columns. These columns, including the two Medusa head sculptures, were repurposed from other buildings. It also explains why one Medusa head is placed sideways and the other upside down.

The construction of this engineering marvel involved over 7,000 slaves. The efforts of the past now allow future generations to collect entrance fees, sell souvenirs, and enjoy the cool ambiance.

Post by Kiki trip | Oct 17, 2025