Top 10 Facts: Basilica Cistern at a Glance

Quick take: From spolia columns to film cameos, here are 10 facts to anchor your visit.

1. Built under Justinian I in the 6th century.
2. Houses 336 columns in a neat grid.
3. Capacity ~80,000 m³; area ~10,000 m².
4. Survived ~22 significant earthquakes.
5. Features reused marble columns (spolia).
6. Likely fed by aqueducts from Belgrade Forest.
7. Rediscovered and opened to the public in 1987.
8. Venue for concerts, light shows, and exhibitions.
9. Appears in films like From Russia with Love and Inferno.
10. Holds Medusa bases that fascinate visitors.

Bottom Line

Use these facts as your orientation compass — then wander and discover.