The operation of a spa center in a 1,500-year-old historical cistern next to the Agios Sophia has caused a reaction in Constantinople.

The massage center is operated by the Navitas Spa Sarnıçk and is housed in the five-star Hilton Hotel.

The site where the spa center operates is a 1,500-year-old underground structure dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Such cisterns were built to store water for the purpose of supplying water to Constantinople. This particular tank, with its impressive architecture, is considered an important example of Byzantine heritage.

According to Turkish media reports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums filed a lawsuit against the company in 2023, following complaints.

However, despite the lawsuit, the spa continues to operate and provide services, advertising the location where it is housed. “If you want to enjoy a unique spa experience in a magical atmosphere, choose Navitas Spa. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet, Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton is home to a modern spa center set within a historic 1,500-year-old reservoir. Navitas Spa is an exclusive wellness space offering personalised, high-end services,” the business’s website reads.