Istanbul Travel Guide

Sunken Palace

Also known as the Underground Cistern or Yerebatan Saray, this eerie cavern was built by Constantinople the Great around 532 AD and is held up below ground by 336 columns. Once a set for the James Bond film, , the cavern today sees tourists crossing over 2 acres of 12 inch deep water, on wooden walkways, to take in the occasional art exhibit or marvel at the intricate design on the columns themselves. There is a pleasant little café topside where the eyes can adjust over some tea.