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Explore Basilica Cistern | The Underground Water Palace

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Get Basilica Cistern tickets to enjoy priority access to the biggest ancient underground cistern in Istanbul. Avail of an expert tour guide and combo offers.

03 Istanbul: Attractions_Basilica Cistern

Visit the Basilica Cistern, one of the largest ancient water cisterns in Turkey. It is the perfect model of Byzantine architecture and is home to interesting attractions such as Hen’s Eye Column and Medusa Pillar Bases. Book Basilica Cistern tickets here to enjoy skip-the-line entry and guided tours.

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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

Enjoy an informative guided tour of one of the largest ancient water cisterns in Istanbul with exclusive skip-the-line tickets!

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Combo (Save 5%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks with a budget-friendly combo: skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Dive into history and save!

Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Explore Istanbul's top spots for less with this combo ticket, featuring skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern.

Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

See 3 of Istanbul's most famous landmarks – Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia – with this cost-effective combo ticket along with an expert English-speaking guide.

Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Hidden beneath the streets of Istanbul lies the ancient Basilica Cistern. Enjoy a guided tour of this sunken filming location. Upgrade to include a tour of Hagia Sophia &amp; Blue Mosque!

Istanbul Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Bosphorus Cruise Guided Tour & Tickets

Delve into Istanbul’s history with a tour of the iconic Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the lively Old City. Conclude with a scenic Bosphorus cruise and skyline views.

Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions

Pack your bags and set out to explore Istanbul's best attractions with the Istanbul MegaPass that not only helps you save money but also save time with skip-the-line tickets.

Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise

Explore Istanbul with this super saver ticket and get access to Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, a skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia with an audio guide, and a Bosphorus Cruise.

Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Audio Guide

Bask in unparalleled panoramic views of Istanbul and marvel at the beauty of Galata Tower with a high-speed elevator ride to the lookout platform!

Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Skip the lines and enter the Topkapı Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years, and enjoy a guided tour.

Combo (Save 23%): Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise + Galata Tower Tickets

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Basilica Cistern Tickets

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Things to see inside Basilica Cistern, Turkey.

Medusa Heads

Weeping Column

Stone Staircase

Marble Columns

Wooden Walkways

Reflective Waters

Basilica Cistern history

The Byzantine Era

The Ottoman Period

Basilica Cistern architecture

Basilica Cistern opening hours

Plan your visit to Basilica Cistern

About Basilica Cistern | Shoulder Page | Content Framework

Visit Basilica Cistern and marvel at the 6th-century engineering marvel that served as an underground water storage system in ancient Istanbul.

The Story of the Basilica Cistern: Byzantine Origins, Ancient Roman Medusa Heads, & More

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Basilica Cistern | Header

While strollers are allowed into the Basilica Cistern, there is no place to keep them aside while you explore the attraction. Visitors have to carry the stroller with them at all times. 

The Basilica Cistern’s ceiling is held up by 336 marble columns, each 9 metres tall, providing structural support. Discover the unique designs and unusual patterns decorating these pillars, which are even older than the Basilica itself.

Marble columns

Two of the cistern’s marble columns feature Medusa’s Heads as bases, one sideways and the other upside down. Marvel at these ancient relics, whose eerie presence and mysterious origins contribute to the cistern’s enigmatic ambience.

Medusa’s Heads

The unusual Weeping Column, whose surface is engraved with extraordinary patterns including peacocks, trees, branches, and tear-like carvings. It is believed to have been built to honor the workers who died during the cistern’s construction.

To access the Basilica Cistern, you have to descend a 52-step stone staircase. Journey back into history as you use the same route taken by the Byzantines 1,500 years ago, with each step revealing the majestic reservoir hidden below Istanbul's bustling streets.

Staircase

Wooden walkways inside the Basilica Cistern allow you to explore the ancient underground reservoir and the historical marvels within. Walk down these pathways and marvel at the immensity of this centuries-old monument.

Wooden walkways

A shallow level of water is maintained inside the Basilica Cistern today, allowing visitors to observe the ancient structures that were once submerged. The still water creates captivating reflections of the cavern, providing a unique and mesmerizing perspective.

The reflections

The 6th-century Basilica Cistern in Istanbul was a monumental reservoir commissioned by Emperor Justinian I to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, it showcases Istanbul’s rich and centuries-old history.

Basilica Cistern, the 6th-century cistern commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, once provided water to Constantinople’s Great Palace. Today, this iconic historical attraction, with intriguing features like the Weeping Column and Medusa’s Heads, draws nearly 2 million annual visitors.

Explore the Basilica Cistern, a massive 6th-century Byzantine water reservoir. Emperor Justinian I initiated its construction to ensure water supply to the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its intriguing features, like the Weeping Column and Medusa's Heads, echo Istanbul’s centuries-old history.

One of Istanbul’s most iconic ancient attractions, Basilica Cistern showcases remarkable Byzantine architecture. Explore this expansive 6th-century reservoir, commissioned by Emperor Justinian I to serve as a water source for the Great Palace of Constantinople.

The entrance to the Basilica Cistern is located on Yerebatan Caddesi (street), on the southwest side of Hagia Sophia. On average, the wait time at this entrance is around 10-15 minutes if you don’t have a pre-booked skip-the-line ticket.

Main Entrance (Yerebatan Caddesi)

The Basilica Cistern is named after the large public square called Stoa Basilica, which was located above it at the surface level.

According to historical accounts, it is believed that about 7,000 slaves worked on the construction of the Basilica Cistern.

The Basilica Cistern has withstood around 22 major earthquakes since it was constructed, proof of the exceptional skills of its Byzantine builders.

Many of the 336 marble columns supporting the cistern were salvaged and repurposed from even older Greek and Roman temples and ruins.

The presence of the Basilica Cistern and other connected water cisterns allowed Constantinople to remain unconquered by enemy sieges for around 1,000 years.

Visitors are not permitted to carry food or beverages inside Basilica Cistern except for water.

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern is open every day of the year from 9 am to 10 pm.&nbsp;

The Basilica Cistern was constructed in 532 AD. This ancient water reservoir played a pivotal role during the Byzantine period, serving as a major water storage facility. Istanbul has borne witness to the rise and fall of two mighty empires, having served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

With its vast underground chambers supported by 336 marble columns and a capacity to hold 80,000 cubic metres of water, the Basilica Cistern showcases the ingenuity of Byzantine architects, engineers, and craftsmen. The reuse of even older columns and capitals adds to its architectural uniqueness.

The dimly lit interior of the Basilica Cistern, combined with the still water and the sound of dripping water, creates a mystical atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. This amplifies its centuries-long presence and offers a truly unique experience.

The Basilica Cistern's eerie ambience has also made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including the 1963 Bond film "From Russia with Love" and the 2016 movie "Inferno".&nbsp;

Bus routes 121CS, 28, 30D, 46C, 54E, 66, 77A, 92C, 99A, and EM1 will take you to the Basilica Cistern. It is just a two-minute way from the nearest bus stop, Sultanahmet.

You can reach Basilica Cistern by taxi. The nearest street where you can be dropped off is Salkım Söğüt Sk. (Salkım Söğüt Sokak). The landmark is only a 3-minute walk from here.

Visitors can take the T1 tram line to reach Basilica Cistern. The nearest stop, Sultanahmet, is a four minutes away by foot.

You can take the train to reach Basilica Cistern via the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) and Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) lines. the nearest train station is Sırkecı, which is a 10-minute walk from the historical attraction.

Basilica Cistern is accessible by the Istanbul Metro. Visitors can take the M2 line to reach Vezneciler station. The landmark is located 2 km away, which is about a 24-25 minute walk.

Skip the line to save time: Booking skip-the-line tickets online for Basilica Cistern will help you save time by avoiding long queues and give you priority access to the venue.

Guided tours for an all-rounded visit: Consider taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide or an audio guide. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the Basilica Cistern, enhancing your experience.

Timing is key: Plan to visit the Basilica Cistern in the early mornings on weekdays to avoid crowds. This way, you can explore the monument in a more peaceful manner.

Combo tickets for added value: The Basilica Cistern is located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet, near other major attractions like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. By purchasing combo tickets that include access to these attractions, you can save money on individual tickets, transport fares, as well as travel time.

About Basilica Cistern | Shoulder Page | Content Page

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Skip the long lines and visit the biggest ancient water cistern with the 2 very famous Medusa heads. 

Marvel at this sunken palace and discover an artificial freshwater lake the size of two football fields.

Witness facets of the cistern which were featured in popular Bond movies and see the Weeping Column of Medusa which continues to weep. 

Upgrade your ticket to benefit from an in-depth audio guide in 8 languages.

Choose to make your experience even better by upgrading your ticket to include Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque guided tour.

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia English guided tour (optional)

Tip: Since the cistern is underground, it can be quite humid, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t make you too hot.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Tourist admiring Beautiful Cistern in Istanbul

Medusa haed in The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

Tourists exploring the grand interiors of Dolmabahce Palace, marveling at the architectural beauty of Hagia Sophia, and descending into the historic Basilica Cistern on a guided tour

Renovated Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet District Fatih, Istanbul

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It was annoying to find out that we should have picked up our audio guides at a different location. I felt scammed as I've paid for it but did not use it in the end. Also I felt it was way too expensive for what was offered. The informations given at the sight were really underwhelming - they should hire an information designer to make it more interesting and informative, then maybe it would have been worth the money. 

Der digitiale Audioguide ist perfekt für Paare die sich gerne frei und ungezwungen duch die Sehenswürdingkeiten bewegen. Wir waren mit den Infos und der digitalen Führung voll zufrieden.

The digital audio guide is perfect for couples who like to move freely and informally through the sights. We were completely satisfied with the information and the digital tour.

When I saw the line of people waiting to buy tickets, I thought, "Oh no! This is going to take a long time". Then I saw the online opportunity on a sign. The online tickets were easy to buy because your e-commerce design was very simple. In just a few minutes, I walked right past the line to the entrance and showed them the e-ticket on my phone. I was in! I'd recommend this to everyone.

Das hat mit dem Ticket super geklappt-
Das Ticket ist vom Grunde her viel zu teuer- aber dafür kann der Anbieter natürlich nichts! 

It worked really well with the ticket.
The ticket is far too expensive - but of course the provider can't help that!

La cisterna, todo bien.
Santa Sofia y Topkapi, la audio guia no corresponde con las marcas de guia y sobretodo en Haren, la visita tiene un orden y la audiogiia otro.
El fubcionamiento de la audioguia, no permite escuchar el audio sin el navegador funcionando. Por tabto se gasta mucha bateria al tener la pantalla encendida todo el rato.
Hay momentos que si haces una foto, se pierde el oubto en el que està, al ser  via web, y hay que descargar de nuevo la guia
Sería mejor una app y que tenga modma numeracion que la visita

The cistern, all good.
Hagia Sophia and Topkapi, the audio guide does not correspond to the guide marks and especially in Haren, the visit has an order and the audio guide another.
The audio guide does not allow to listen to the audio without the navigator working. Therefore, it wastes a lot of battery life to have the screen on all the time.
There are times that if you take a picture, you lose the oubto in which it is, being via web, and you have to download the guide again.
It would be better to have an app with the same numbering as the visit.

Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.

Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.

Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.

Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.

See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.

Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.

30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern

Tip: The underground cistern is dark and damp, which can lead to a drop in temperature. It’s best to carry a light cardigan to keep yourself warm. 

Tip: Look out for decorations and items inside the mosque inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran. 

Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.

If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).

Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at one of Hagia Sophia’s columns, known as the ‘wishing column.’ Legend has it that if you poke your finger through a hole in the column and your finger emerges wet, your wishes will come true and you’ll be cured of any illness. No harm in trying!

Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.

Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.

Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head.

While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.

Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.

These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of experience.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.

Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.

Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.

Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul

Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%

Tourists exploring the stunning Blue Mosque, a highlight of the Combo Tour: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.

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Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.

Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.

We had an excellent tour guide and the sites we visited were pretty incredible, as expected. However, we were very disappointed to find out we did not have tickets to Hagia Sophia included in our original tour package. I reviewed the information on the web site where I found the tour, and the two emails resulting from the booking and saw no mention that the tickets to tour the second floor were not included. We were not impressed that we had to find an ATM to get cash so that our tour guide could purchase these tickets for us. We were not the only ones in the group that experienced this. 

Na verdade, não houve informação prévia de ir com meias visitar a mesquita azul, cheiro de chulé insuportável,  muito calor, meu marido passou mal e não tuvemos auxilio de ninguém , slavo um médico indiano de outra excurção que veio socorre-lo.

In fact, there was no prior information about going with socks to visit the blue mosque, the smell of foot odor was unbearable, it was very hot, my husband became ill and we had no help from anyone, except for an Indian doctor from another tour who came to help him.

Our tour guy was very knowledgeable about history of sites we were visting at the same time was very friendly and professional with sense of humor. I highly recommended our tour guide!

Avail of a great cost benefit with this combo, giving you skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul’s iconic sites: the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.

Marvel at the impressive Byzantine architecture of the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century subterranean marvel with 336 massive columns.

Soak in the Basilica Cistern experience with an optional multilingual audio guide providing intriguing insights into the history of this unique site.

Step into the world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest place of worship for over a millennium with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.

Enjoy the liberty to explore the magnificent mosaics and paintings at your own pace at the Hagia Sophia’s 2nd-floor Visitors' Center.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the ghostly outlines of carp swimming in the water, they make for a great photo backdrop.

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Tip: Look for the 'weeping column,' it's believed to have healing powers.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.

The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.

Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf.

Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.

Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction.

Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.

Tour guide leading a group through the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, included in the Combo: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern Tickets

Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.

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Hagia Sophia Tickets

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Not really skip the line for hagia sofia - line is so long for either one, you just don't have to go to the ticket booth and buy a ticket first. Basilica was hardly worth it either, but saving 5% is nice.

This combo lets you skip the lines for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern all in one go! Perfect for time-conscious travelers and history buffs.

Explore the Sultan's lavish chambers at the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem, and marvel at the Imperial Treasury's jewels like the Topkapi Dagger.

Witness the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and decipher the cryptic Viking runes etched by ancient visitors, alongside Islamic and Christian art.

At Basilica Cistern, spot the column that is shaped like the feathers of a peacock, constructed in memory of the slaves who died building it.

With multilingual audio guides, unlock the secrets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia's hidden murals, and the Basilica Cistern's haunting Medusa.

Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Topkapi Palace

Access to Harem Museum and Hagia Irene Museum

Audio guide in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish

Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Hagia Sophia

Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish

Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Basilica Cistern

Tip: In the first courtyard, don't miss Hagia Irene, the oldest church in Istanbul and one of the oldest unreconstructed buildings in the world.

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

The Story of the Basilica Cistern: Byzantine Origins, Ancient Roman Medusa Heads, & More

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