Authorities in Turkey have sealed off a luxury spa that was set up by illegally modifying a 1,500-year-old cistern near Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
The spa, originally an ancient water storage facility, was operating under the name “Navitas Spa Sarnic” beneath the world-renowned five-star Hilton Hotel.
It had been controversially repurposed as a massage and jacuzzi parlor, sparking public outcry and legal action.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in response to mounting complaints, initiated investigations into the unauthorized use of the protected historical structure. It was revealed that the spa facility had made illegal additions, altering the original architecture of the cistern.
The historic cistern, located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district within an urban archaeological site, was found to be operating outside legal regulations. The Navitas Spa Sarnic website openly promoted its location inside a 1500-year-old cistern, offering services such as Swedish, aromatherapy, and hot stone massages, along with jacuzzi experiences.
However, an investigation revealed that unauthorized modifications, including glass extensions, experience pools, and additional spa rooms, had been added without proper approvals.
The illegal alterations were found to violate conservation laws designed to protect Turkey’s cultural heritage. “Our spa offers a Turkish Bath and a restored 1,500-year-old cistern,” the hotel website says, showing photos of a tastefully lit brick-lined underground pool with bubbling turquoise waters.
Ancient cistern turned into a spa is near Hagia Sophia
The hotel is in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. It’s where you’ll find some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
The Basilica Cistern located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I.
Ancient texts indicated that the basilica cistern contained gardens surrounded by a colonnade that faced the Hagia Sophia. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine built a structure that was later reconstructed and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532, which devastated the city.
Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern.
The enlarged cistern provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to provide water to the Topkapı Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.
Related: Hagia Sophia’s Mysterious Underground World to Open for Visitors