Beneath the ground, 500 feet west of the Hagia Sophia, lies the largest ancient cistern in Istanbul—the Basilica Cistern. A forest of massive columns, the cistern's beauty competes with its above-ground neighboring buildings. The 105,000 square foot space originally provided water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and the Topkapi Palace; but now offers tourists a unique tour in an unexpected location.
*The Basilica Cistern's claim to fame:
It was used as a location in the 1963 James Bond film, From Russia with Love.
Two peculiar Medusa heads provide the base for columns in one corner of the cistern.
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