What: Medusa’s head supporting a pillar in the Basilica Cistern
Where: Istanbul, Turkey
When: June 2014
Photo credit: Steshia M
Camera: HTC One (phone)
Traveller’s tale: Medusa is the Gorgon from Greek mythology who is depicted as having the face of a hideous woman with live venomous snakes in place of hair. Their origin here is unknown, though it’s speculated that they were brought here after being removed from a Roman building. Tradition has it that the blocks are oriented sideways in order to negate the power of the Gorgon’s gaze.
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