Gorgon Head In Roman Basilica Cistern In Istanbul, Turkey. Stock Photo

During the time the cistern was built, images and statues featuring Gorgon heads were used to protect sacred areas from evil. It is thought that the snake headed Medusa statues were placed in the cistern for this purpose. The statues were used as column bases during the construction of the cistern. These Roman cisterns, remnants of a bygone era, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history. With their majestic columns and mysterious aura, the cisterns exude an air of timeless intrigue, inviting you to wander through corridors where history and architecture intertwine. Each step echoes with the whispers of antiquity, a captivating journey into the heart of Istanbul's rich heritage.