Istanbul - Below and Above
First stop today was the Basilica Cistern. It was built in the 6th Century to supply water to the Great Palace (no longer in existence). The water comes from the Belgrade Forest 20 km away. Since it was underground and not visible, the Ottomans did not know about it for over a century.
Many of the columns were recycled from Roman temples. Also "recycled" were three scuptures of Medusa used for column supports. Two Medusas were placed on their side and one is upside down. No one really knows why.
After returning above ground, we walked across the Galata Bridge and up the hill to the Galata Kalesi for a bird's-eye view of Istanbul. It was well worth the climb!
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| The Galata Kalesi dominates the Beyoglu district |
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| The Ayasofya and Blue Mosque from the Galata Kalesi. |
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