Theodosius Cistern

This underground Byzantine reservoir, also called Şerefiye Cistern, was built in the fifth century under Emperor Theodosius II to store water carried by the Valens Aqueduct. Long forgotten beneath later buildings, it was rediscovered and restored, reopening as a cultural venue with dramatic lighting and sound. Rows of tall marble columns with carved capitals rise from a stone floor, echoing the grander Basilica Cistern nearby on a more intimate scale. Digital art projections now play across its brick vaults beneath the old city.