[The Basilica Cistern] is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water. The large space is broken up by a forest of 336 marble columns each 9 metres high. The columns are arranged in 12 rows each consisting of 28 columns. The capitals of the columns are mainly Ionic and Corinthian styles, with the exception of a few Doric style with no engravings. According to ancient historians, emperor Constantine had already built a basilica and cistern on the same spot. As the demand for water grew, emperor Justinian enlarged the cisterns and incorporated the basilica. --Wikipedia
This incredible urban undergarment is open to the public, but be sure to book your flight to Istanbul not Constantinople.
A friend of mine says she flew on a Turkish airliner once, years ago, and they were playing that TMBG song over the PA as the passengers boarded.
Posted by: HA HA HA | October 28, 2007 at 07:23 PM
I remember this story being covered on FOX news by Greta Van Cistern.
Posted by: JWebb | October 29, 2007 at 12:19 AM