This cistern, dating back to the 4th century AD, is the second largest underground Byzantine cistern in Istanbul after the Basilica Cistern . Spanning an area of 64 mti 10ft) by 56m (185 ft), the herring-bone brick roof vaults are held up by 264 marble columns - the 1,001 columns of its name is poetic exaggeration. LIntil not long ago, the cistern was filled with rubble and only explored by adventurous visitors. It has recently been transformed into an atmospheric shopping complex specializing in jewellery* carpets and tiles and other merchandise inspired by Ottoman culture. (s1)

The Binbirdirek (thousand-and-one columns) Cistern was originally named after Philoxenus who came here from Rome. It is thought that the senator actually built his own palace on top of the cistern. The cistern contains 224 double columns in 16 rows of 14 each and with a height of about 15 m. The accumulation of mud at the bottom suggests that they were formerly even taller. The columns consist of two pieces placed one on top of the other. The building has been under restoration for quite a long time and was finally opened as a restaurant, but for some reason or other this did not last very long and It closed again. At present it is not open to the public. (s2)