Horror Story of Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

For centuries, the mysterious and intricate underground cistern of Istanbul known as the Basilica Cistern has been a source of terror and intrigue for its visitors. Located beneath the ruins of the old Basilica- the largest church of ancient Constantinople- the cistern is a massive and expansive underground water reservoir dating back to the sixth century.On a dark and damp night during the waning days of autumn, a small tour group descended the winding staircase into the underground cistern. The air was still and eerily cool, and the only noise they heard were the soft splashes of their footsteps as they moved through the darkness. Without warning, a monstrous, inhuman howl echoed from the darkness, freezing the small group in terror.Trying to muster courage, the group stepped forward hesitantly, desperately seeking the source of the bone-chilling noise. Without warning, a figure materialized from the shadows and the group scrambled back in fear. Clad in a tattered cloak, the dark figure beckoned them forward with a broken finger.As they cautiously approached, the figure lifted its heavy hood revealing a pale face, ravaged and scarred by age. Its eyes and lips were mere slits, and its speech was a hoarse rasp. “Welcome to my kingdom…” it hissed.The figure explained that he was an ancient spirit, compelled to haunt the cistern since it was built by the ancient Emperor of Byzantium. For he was cursed to be the eternal guardian of the cistern for all eternity, trapping anyone who dared ventured down into the depths of the dungeon.As he finished his story the group felt a cold chill pass through their bodies, and they felt their legs tense as they fought an uncontrollable urge to flee. But before they could do anything, the spirit abruptly disappeared into the shadows, leaving them alone and terrified in the darkness.Since that day no one has set foot in the Basilica Cistern for fear of encountering the vengeful spirit that lurks in the shadows. Its menacing howl still echoes through the city, ensuring that the tales of terror associated with the mysterious underground cistern remain alive and well in the minds of those brave enough to speak of it.

History & Information of Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

The Basilica Cistern, located in the northwest part of Istanbul, is one of the city's oldest and most important Byzantine monuments. It is a subterranean structure, built in the 6th century by the Roman Emperor Justinian I, that once served as a vast underground reservoir for the city. It was used to supply water to the grand palaces around the city, as well as public baths, gymnasiums, and fountains. The word “basilica” refers to the form of the building, which resembles a cross-in-square church, and the word “cistern” refers to the nature of the structure – it was designed to store and distribute water.The Basilica Cistern has been in use since its construction in the 6th century. It was damaged by numerous earthquakes and wars over the centuries, and underwent a major renovation in the 20th century, when it was renovated to become a tourist attraction. Its vast, eerie interior is filled with water, tall columns, and small stone paths, and it provides quite a unique sight – especially with the occasional sound of water dripping from the vaulted ceiling. It is said to be the inspiration for the novel Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.Today, the Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions and is open to visitors from April to October. It provides a unique glimpse into the city’s storied past and offers a unique experience for those looking to explore the city’s history and culture. A visit to the Basilica Cistern is sure to be an unforgettable experience for visitors to Istanbul.

Paranomial Activity of Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

The Basilica Cistern (or Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is a notable landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in about 500 AD and is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. The cistern is an active archeological site, and attracts many visitors each year.The Basilica Cistern's importance is derived from its architecture and cultural value. It is a grandiose structure, built over two floors and measuring 140 metres long by 70 metres wide, with 336 granite columns which supported a roof made of brick arches. In addition to its impressive size, the cistern contains more than 340 monogrammed Medusa heads, making it a popular attraction for tourists. It was also used as a source of fresh water for inhabitants of the city, making it an important engineering feat.The Basilica Cistern is still in use today, providing water to the city's inhabitants. Its importance has been recognized by UNESCO, who designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1985. The cistern also serves as a reminder of Istanbul's long history, being connected to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It has become a symbol of Istanbul's past, and the stories surrounding it have made it a popular destination for those interested in local history. As such, it is an important location for academics and students alike.As you step into this place, you can sense the uneasiness that further awaits your most haunted experience.

Experience of people & Reviews of Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

The Basilica Cistern is an incredible underground experience in Istanbul. People rave about it, calling it an amazing place to explore. It's well-lit and fully-restored, creating a unique and almost ethereal atmosphere.Visitors are always awed by the vastness and age of the structure, and some even find themselves moved to silent reflection, as they stand on the ancient cistern floor. The two Medusa heads are the most talked-about feature of the cistern, and are sure to generate a conversation as people stand in amazement.The courtyard is also a popular spot among visitors, as it provides an excellent opportunity to look out over the water and take in the natural beauty of the city.People are often impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, who provide great detail about the history of the cistern and its surroundings—including the gruesome story of its construction.Overall, visitors to the Basilica Cistern come away with a feeling of awe and appreciation for the fascinating piece of history they discovered beneath the city.This place is famous for its haunted stories and hence tops the list of the scariest places on Earth.

FAQ'S of Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

Q1: Where is the Basilica Cistern located? A1: The Basilica Cistern is located in Istanbul, Turkey.Q2: How can I visit the Basilica Cistern?A2: The Basilica Cistern is open to the public and can be visited by booking a guided tour or visiting independently.Q3: What is the history behind the Basilica Cistern?A3: The Basilica Cistern dates back to the 6th century and was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as a water storage facility to supply water to the Great Palace.Q4: How large is the Basilica Cistern?A4: The Basilica Cistern is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, comprising of a space of 9,800 square meters.Q5: What can I expect to see inside the Basilica Cistern?A5: Inside the Basilica Cistern you can expect to see 336 columns which support the ceiling, along with the two Medusa heads believed to be of pagan origin.Have you ever explored horror places in the world? If not, then you can explore now.