Basilica Cistern (The Sunken Palace) ~ Istanbul. Built in the 6th century by Justinian 1 (Byzantine Emperor when Istanbul was known as Constantinople). The awesome subterranean oasis of tranquility was ruined by stampeding hoards of tourists. (There was even one with a green multi spray laser light). The dim underwater lights at the base of the soaring hand carved marble columns were no match for the strobe like brilliance of hundreds of camera flashes. Other than that this beautiful eerie place is magnificent. A stunning master piece of architecture. I especially was intrigued by two carved marble Medusa heads supporting two of the columns. There is actually scholarly debate as to why one head is lying on its side and the other is upside down. No photo can do justice but we tried...(note: no flash was used in the production of these photos)
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 21:39:35 +0000
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