Binbirdirek Cistern (Philoxenos)

The Binbirdirek Cistern or Cistern of Philoxenos is an underground water reservoir situated in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.

It is from the Byzantine era and was built over one thousand years ago.

Philoxenos, a roman senator, ordered it to provide water to the palace complex near during the reign of Emperor Constantine I in the 4th century.

It is rectangular in shape, around 64 by 56 meters large, and has 224 marble columns arranged in 16 rows of 14 rows which are 12.4 meters tall.

The columns have Greek masons' marks and they are supporting brick groin vaults. With it's intricate construction, the building showcases the skills of engineers at that time.

In the 17th century, cistern was rediscovered and has been restored since. It is used a cultural venue today which gives exhibitions and events to the visitors unraveling the history of Istanbul.