Antik Cisterna Entrance

Istanbul E-pass includes entry of Antik Cisterna. Present your Istanbul E-pass at the receptin of Antik Hotel get access. Cisterna is located -2nd and -3rd floor of Antik Hotel.

Discovery of Ancient Relics at Antik Hotel İstanbul

During the excavation of the Antik Hotel İstanbul, ancient relics dating back 1500 years to the late Roman - early Byzantine period were discovered. The Istanbul Archaeology Museum conducted the excavation, which spanned over a decade. Originally constructed as a public building during the late Roman era, it was later repurposed as a cistern for water storage on the lower floor. During the Byzantine period, there are reports that it served as a library for a period of time.

Transformation of the Antik Hotel İstanbul

Upon completion of the hotel's construction, the two-floor historical structure was transformed into an art and special event center while carefully preserving the integrity of the historical artifacts on the second and third floors. Some of the unearthed objects are displayed within the center, while others have been safeguarded by the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. The hotel is responsible for the security and annual on-site monitoring of these historical artifacts under the supervision of the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

History of the Antik Hotel İstanbul Site Before Construction

Until 1983, the site was used as a commercial building, and in 1984, the decision was made to demolish it and construct a hotel. During the excavation of the foundations, historical remnants were discovered at a depth of 12 meters below ground level. As a result, construction was halted upon application to the Istanbul Archaeology Institute. After examinations conducted by historians, archaeologists, and experts within the Institute, it was determined that the discovered remnants belonged to the Late Roman-Early Byzantine period (450-500 AD) and were likely part of a public building during the Roman era. The lower level of the building had also served as a cistern, providing a solution to Istanbul's longstanding water problem.

The Role of Forum Tauri and Beyazıt Square

During that time, the area known as Forum Tauri (Bull Square), now called Beyazıt Square, was named Theodosius Forum and was the city's most important cultural and commercial center. Today, remnants from this period can be found on both sides of the street, currently known as Ordu Avenue, which has a tramway running through it.

Meticulous Construction and Excavation at the Antik Hotel İstanbul

Due to meticulous and careful construction and excavation work, the delayed construction of the Antik Hotel İstanbul was only completed in December 1994. Throughout this period, portable small objects of historical value were taken to the Archaeology Museum for exhibition, while those that could not be moved were recorded in a museum register opened within the hotel and regularly inspected with the approval of the museum. Partial artifacts within the Antik Hotel İstanbul are also displayed to guests.

The Opening and Cultural Activities at the Antik Hotel İstanbul

In December 1994, Antik Hotel İstanbul opened its doors to welcome guests, carefully preserving and incorporating the approximately 1500-year-old Ancient Cistern without causing any damage or loss of artifacts. Today, the Ancient Cistern has earned its place on Istanbul's prestigious list of exhibition venues, hosting various artistic and cultural activities such as painting, sculpture, photography, performance, animation, short films, and music videos since 2001. Antik Cisterna attracts great interest in Istanbul's Underground Treasures list during organized tours of the city.