Unveiling the Hidden Depths of Antik Cisterna in Istanbul
The Istanbul Explorer Pass grants you access to one of the city’s lesser-known yet truly captivating underground sites—Antik Cisterna, located within the Antik Hotel. Simply present your Istanbul E-pass at the hotel’s reception desk to enter this historic site, situated on the -2nd and -3rd floors.
Discovery Beneath the Antik Hotel: A Glimpse into the Past
During the construction of Antik Hotel Istanbul, archaeological excavations led to the discovery of 1500-year-old relics, dating back to the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. These excavations, supervised by the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, spanned over ten years and revealed a two-story structure believed to have originally served as a Roman public building.
Over time, the lower floor was repurposed into a cistern, addressing the city’s historical water needs. In the Byzantine era, some records suggest that the upper section may have functioned briefly as a library, highlighting its ongoing significance throughout multiple empires.
Preservation and Transformation: From Ruins to Cultural Venue
Following the hotel’s completion in 1994, the ancient structure discovered on-site was carefully integrated into the hotel’s architecture. The historical floors were preserved and adapted into a cultural exhibition center, showcasing selected artifacts within the cistern itself, while others are housed in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
Security and preservation efforts are still maintained today under the oversight of the museum, with Antik Hotel responsible for the routine care and documentation of all artifacts.
Historical Significance of the Site Before Hotel Construction
Before 1983, the site was occupied by a commercial building. Plans to construct a hotel were approved in 1984, but excavation for the foundation revealed historical ruins 12 meters underground. Upon notifying the Istanbul Archaeology Institute, work was halted, and expert evaluations confirmed that the remains originated from the 5th century AD, belonging to the Late Roman period.
The lower chamber of the structure, functioning as a cistern, provides further evidence of the city’s complex water management systems during antiquity.
Link to Ancient Forum Tauri – Modern Beyazit Square
The cistern lies near what was once the Forum Tauri, later renamed Forum of Theodosius, now known as Beyazit Square. This area once served as a major cultural and commercial hub of the Eastern Roman Empire. Remnants from that period are still visible along Ordu Avenue, today a modern tram route and a vital thoroughfare in the heart of the city.
Construction with Caution: Building Around History
Due to the sensitivity of the discovery, the construction of Antik Hotel was significantly delayed and only finalized in December 1994. During this time, movable relics were transferred to the Archaeology Museum for safekeeping, while fixed structures were preserved in situ. A dedicated registry within the hotel allows for periodic inspections approved by the museum authorities.
As a result, Antik Hotel Istanbul stands today not only as a hospitality venue but also as a guardian of ancient history.
Cultural Events at Antik Cisterna
Since 2001, Antik Cisterna has served as a vibrant cultural space, hosting a variety of art exhibitions and multimedia performances, including painting, sculpture, photography, short films, and music videos. Its unique setting—surrounded by authentic Roman and Byzantine architecture—makes it a remarkable venue for both art lovers and history enthusiasts.
It is now recognized among Istanbul’s noteworthy underground attractions, often featured in curated historical tours exploring the city's hidden layers.