Serefiye Cistern

The Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II built the Serefiye Cistern in 428, and its construction was completed 15 years later. The purpose of constructing the cistern was to store, and house water from a water source called the Bozdoğan Arch. Therefore, it is always essential for the states that govern Istanbul to provide water supply to the city's people.

The location of the cistern built was called Şerefiye, and the cistern took its name from it. After the Byzantine Period, with the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman State, Şerefiye Cistern remained under the control of the Ottoman Empire. In the 19th century, a mansion named Arif Pasha was built on top of Şerefiye Cistern. In 2010, the structure above the cistern was demolished, and a magnificent historical structure appeared under it.  Don't forget to add this historic structure that traces from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires to your Istanbul travel guide!

The Architecture Of Şerefiye Cistern

There are many historical tourist attractions in Istanbul, and the Şerefiye Cistern has become one of the popular places for visitors with its fascinating structure since 2010. This structure, which is 1600 years old, was used as a water tank, has undergone many restorations, and remains standing. The architectural structure was specially built in the Byzantine Period as a water source, but it later lost this feature.

Şerefiye Cistern, as an underground structure supported by solid and aesthetic columns, fully preserves the historical spirit's image. The cistern is an architectural building with a height of 11 meters, designed as 24 x 40 meters. The powerful columns supporting the structure consist of 32 of them, and there are 45 sailing vaults in the structure. The Cistern marbles are composed of Marmara Island's special marbles, and its interior is covered with a unique waterproof substance. When you examine the design, you can see that its corners are curved to stabilize the water pressure.

If you want to explore the best places to visit in Istanbul, Şerefiye Cistern is one of them! With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can see this very newly emerged cistern with more information from trained guides!

360 Degree Projection Mapping in the Şerefiye Cistern

The feature that makes Şerefiye Cistern one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions is that it combines history and technology. The building incorporates the 360 Degree Projection Mapping technology, used for the first time in Turkey for its visitors. You can observe the structure, a precious museum, and unique underground architecture to the smallest detail with this new technology.

The Projection Mapping show integrated into the Şerefiye Cistern consists of 10 parts and shows the walls, columns of the structure, and the entire space in 3D. If you are interested in history and not fed up with exploring, you should try projection technology!

Şerefiye Cistern Facts

• Şerefiye Cistern was used as a water tank and source of water for the baths of historical buildings such as the Great Palace, Nymphaeum, and Zeuksippos.
• Şerefiye Cistern, built primarily as a mansion, was also used as the Istanbul Eminönü Municipality Building until 2010.
• The Serefiye Cistern Museum is considered the oldest building in the world combined with such technology with the 360-degree projection map it offers. With the map, you can observe a unique expedition to the old water canals of Istanbul.
• The heads located at the top of the Şerefiye Cistern structure are equipped with bear claw leaves.
• Other well-known names of the Şerefiye Cistern are Cistern of Constantine and Theodosius.

If you are looking for a historic building for your Istanbul trip, don't forget to add underground structures to your Istanbul travel guide. With these unique features, Şerefiye Cistern is one of Istanbul's most fascinating historical tourist attractions. By using your Istanbul Tourist Pass, you have the opportunity to visit other unique underground architectures such as the Basilica Cistern without losing time and paying extra!