First sight for today was the Bassilica Cistern or Yerebatan Sarniçi - that's a big underground cistern with more than 300 pillars with dorian, ionian and corinthic capitels. The pillars are nicely lid so gives the place a magical atmosphere. especially together with the mystical background music. You can walk around there and enjoy the cool air after a hot day with burning sun. There is still some water in it and a lot of fish are living there and becoming really big (much bigger than the fish they catch from the bridges in Istanbul). At the end there are two pillars with Medusa heads as basis and some stories are told about them.
Back to daylight I made my way to the famous Topkapı Palace on the Serail Hill. The palace was founded by Mehmet the Conqueror after he conquered Istanbul and the Sultans lived here from 1465 to 1830. The palace buildings occupy a big part of the hill and you need to plan at least half a day here to admire all the beautiful buildings, decorations, mosaics and the splendid view. I got myself an audioguide and started with the harem which was amazing.
After that came the portraits of the sultans, some pavillons with a great view and a cosy atmosphere, a cafe and the Treasury. In the last there were thrones, gifts from other head of states and the two most pricey items on display - a jewel-encrusted dagger and a 96-carat diamond.
Wandering on the palace premises feels like a day out in the park with big trees and nice flowers.
Having walked and stared for long a returned home for dinner with Anastasia.
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