ISTANBUL: BASILICA CISTERN

For a completely different experience, venture down to the Basilica Cistern. Constructed in the 6th century using surplus columns from the Hagia Sophia and other locations, it served as an underground reservoir to supply water to the Topkapi Palace. The diverse columns (spare parts from other building sites) are highlighted by a display of colored lights, and a few inches of water still cover the floor, creating a perfect backdrop for capturing photos with reflections of the columns.