Cistern of Aetius

Istanbul, Turkey

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

The Cistern of Aetius was a major Byzantine water reservoir constructed in Constantinople in 401 CE, ranking among the city's largest cisterns during its era. Built in the Byzantine architectural style, the underground structure once served the capital's essential water needs. In later centuries, particularly during the Ottoman period, it became known as Çukurbostan, meaning "sunken garden." Today the site functions as a football stadium in Istanbul, having been officially designated Karagümrük Stadium (also called Vefa Stadium) since 1928, transforming the ancient Byzantine infrastructure into a modern sports venue.