Istanbul - the Basilica Cistern

Those of you who have watched James Bond films might remember a scene in From Russia with Love where 007 goes down to a cistern under the streets of Istanbul.

Fortunately there was no long queue and the entry fee is low.

Columns receding into the gloom. Digital cameras do a great job down here. A flash is useless.

Carp.

All the columns are different. The cistern was built in the 6th century and restored most recently in the 80's.

Walkways take you all around the cistern which is about the size of a football field.

An upside down Medusa face.

A side ways Medusa face.

The walkways can be wet and slippery.

It is such a large place that it was not crowded.

It all looks very mysterious. Very Bondish.

As a 007 fan, I was glad  to visit the cistern but once is probably enough.