Turkish authorities have shut down a luxury spa located inside a 1,500-year-old cistern in Istanbul after discovering it had been illegally modified.
The Navitas Spa Sarnic, operated by the Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul hotel, transformed the ancient cistern into a modern wellness facility, complete with a jacuzzi-style swimming pool, sauna, and Turkish hammam.
The hotel, part of Hilton’s luxury Curio Collection, is situated near the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The spa had been offering high-end services, with rooms priced at around $400 per night.
After backlash on social media, local officials from the Fatih municipality sealed off the spa, following a decision from the preservation committee.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism had raised concerns in 2023 about unauthorized changes to the cistern.
The cistern is owned by Dorak, a holding company with tourism interests across Turkiye, though a spokeswoman declined to comment on the ongoing legal process.
