Basilica Cistern

Arched domed roof resting on 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows, and underneath large fish swimming in dark waters, their presence betrayed by the periodic glimmer of modern lights. An atmosphere of eeriness. A place to be alone. And in the northwest corner, two Medusa heads; one resting her head sideways upon the wet floor, the other upside down and littered about her head coins tossed in by hopeful tourists, seeking good luck from a woman with serpents for hair. You look down at her, while she turns her stony gaze upon you.






https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/travel/orhan-pamuks-istanbul.html