Columns of Basilica Cistern

The Columns of Basilica Cistern create one of Istanbul’s most impressive underground views.
Columns Of Basilica Cistern: Styles, History And Details

The Columns of Basilica Cistern create one of the most impressive underground views in Istanbul. Hundreds of tall columns rise from the shallow water and support the brick arches above, giving the cistern its famous palace-like appearance.

Although the columns look similar from a distance, a closer view reveals different materials, capitals, carvings and bases. These differences provide clues about how builders reused architectural pieces from earlier Roman and Byzantine structures.

336 Columns inside
12 Column rows
28 Columns per row
9 m Approximate height
Other Names of the Basilica Cistern The Basilica Cistern is also known as Cisterna Basilica, Βασιλική Κινστέρνα Yerebatan Sarnıcı, and Yerebatan Sarayı.
The Turkish names are commonly translated as “Subterranean Cistern” and “Subterranean Palace.”

How Many Columns Are Inside the Basilica Cistern?

There are 336 columns inside the Basilica Cistern. Most are approximately nine metres high and support the large underground vaulted ceiling.

Quick answer: The cistern contains 12 rows with 28 columns in each row. Together, these rows create the underground “forest of columns” seen from the visitor platforms.

Reflections in the shallow water make the rows look longer and deeper. The modern lighting also highlights the repeating arches, capitals and different stone surfaces.

How Are the Columns Arranged?

The Columns of Basilica Cistern are positioned in a regular grid. This arrangement helps distribute the weight of the vaulted ceiling across the underground chamber.

12 Parallel rows
28 Columns in each row
336 Total columns
Arches Support the vaulted roof

Round brick arches connect the columns and carry the ceiling above. The repeating rows also produce the symmetrical views that make the cistern one of Istanbul’s most recognisable interiors.

The column arrangement, arches and vaulted roof are important elements of Basilica Cistern Architecture .

Column Materials and Architectural Styles

The columns were not created as one perfectly matching group. They vary in colour, thickness, stone type, surface design and capital style.

Ionic Details

Ionic capitals are commonly recognised by curved scroll-like forms. Some examples inside the cistern show simplified versions of this classical style.

Corinthian Details

Corinthian capitals normally include leaf-like decoration and more detailed carving than the simpler column capitals around them.

Simple Capitals

Several columns have plain or minimally decorated capitals, showing that structural function was more important than visual uniformity.

Different types of marble and stone appear throughout the structure. Some shafts are smooth, while others show marks, colour changes or decorative patterns.

Were the Basilica Cistern Columns Reused?

Many columns are believed to have been taken from older Roman and early Byzantine buildings. The reuse of architectural material is commonly described by the term spolia.

Why Were Old Columns Reused?

Reusing existing stone elements reduced construction time and gave builders access to strong materials suitable for supporting the large underground roof.

Why Do the Columns Look Different?

Columns collected from different buildings did not have the same dimensions, materials or capitals. Some required additional bases to reach the correct height.

Architectural clue: A column shaft and its capital may not originally have belonged together. Builders combined available pieces according to structural need.

This reuse reflects the changing city around the cistern. More historical context can be found in the History of Basilica Cistern .

The Weeping Column

One of the most distinctive columns is known as the Weeping Column. Its shaft is covered with circular, eye-shaped and teardrop-like carvings.

Moisture moving across the carved surface can create the appearance of falling tears. This visual effect is one reason the column is often described as crying.

A popular legend connects the carved tears with workers who suffered or died during the construction of the cistern. However, this story has not been confirmed by historical records and is better understood as local folklore.

Its patterns, alternative names and wish-making tradition are explained in the full guide to the Weeping Column in Basilica Cistern .

Columns with Medusa Head Bases

Two of the most famous columns stand on large stone blocks carved with the face of Medusa. They are located near the far end of the visitor route.

Upside-Down Medusa

One stone head is placed upside down beneath a column. Its position may have helped builders adjust the height of the column.

Sideways Medusa

The second head rests on its side and supports another column. Its original location and purpose remain uncertain.

Myth or practical choice? Later stories claimed that turning the heads removed Medusa’s mythical power. A simpler explanation is that the stones were positioned to create suitable column bases.

Their possible origins, positions and legends are covered in the guide to the Medusa Heads in Basilica Cistern .

Best Columns to Photograph

The long rows, low lighting and water reflections provide many photography opportunities. Central viewpoints usually offer the strongest sense of depth.

  • Use the central rows for symmetrical photographs.
  • Include the brick arches above the columns.
  • Photograph reflections where the water is calm.
  • Take a close-up image of the Weeping Column carvings.
  • Wait for a clear view of the Medusa column bases.
  • Avoid using strong flash in the atmospheric lighting.

Photography tip: Hold the camera steady and use the surrounding columns as natural lines leading towards the centre of the image.

Why Are the Columns Important?

The columns are essential structural elements rather than simple decoration. They carry the arches and help distribute the weight of the ceiling across the large underground reservoir.

  • They support the vaulted brick ceiling.
  • They are arranged in 12 regular rows.
  • Many were reused from older structures.
  • Their capitals show different architectural styles.
  • Some columns required additional stone bases.
  • The Weeping Column has a carved decorative shaft.
  • Two columns stand above Medusa head bases.
  • The rows create the cistern’s famous visual depth.

Examining the Columns of Basilica Cistern closely reveals how Byzantine builders combined practical engineering, reused materials and decorative elements within one monumental underground structure.

See the Columns Inside Basilica Cistern

Walk between the historic column rows, see the Medusa bases and examine the unusual Weeping Column during your visit.

Explore Basilica Cistern Tickets