Abstract
Restoring or renovating important historical sites and buildings, for either the original or a new purpose, ensures the continuation of cultural heritage. When reacquiring such sites as part of a city's heritage, they must be safely and effectively designed. Lighting is one of the necessary components of this design phase. Lighting design of historic sites should be very sensitive to the original construction and interventions should be kept at minimum. This article discusses the renovated cistern in Izmir's Kadifekale that is to be used as an exhibition hall. Various parameters were considered for the lighting design of cistern, such as visual comfort, functional requirements and aesthetics. This article discusses the approach and methods of the lighting design for the historic cistern in detail.