İstanbul · Fatih · Turkey

Binbirdirek Sarnıcı

hidden gem

1001 Columns Cistern

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easy

7/10

contemplative

A local would say...

The '1001 columns' cistern — actually 224, but who's counting when you're underground in Byzantium

The second-largest Byzantine cistern in Istanbul after Yerebatan — 224 columns supporting a vaulted ceiling in a vast underground space. Less famous and less touristed than its neighbour, which is exactly the point. The name means '1001 columns' though there are actually 224.