Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, a “sunken palace” beneath the surface of Istanbul’s streets, is just down the road from the Blue Mosque. Originally constructed as a commercial hub in the third and fourth century AD, it was later converted as part of a water filtering system.
A sculpture of Medusa’s head can also be found within the cistern. It’s been told that it’s upside down to counteract the strength of her stare…but it’s also been said that it was merely rotated to match the column above it. I guess you’ll just have to stare Medusa down and make your own mind up!
