The Water Palace Below | Exploring the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Sarnici, is an ancient underground water reservoir, which supplied water to the city’s inhabitants in the 6th century. When constructing the cistern, the workers utilized various materials, including recycled columns and capitals from earlier Roman structures, which add to its unique character.
Quick Facts About Basilica Cistern
- Official Name: Yerebatan Sarnici
- Also Known As: the Sunken Cistern or the Sunken Palace
- Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
- Date of Opening: 6th century in the year 532 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I
- Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
- Architect: Justinian I
- Number of Visitors Per Year: 2.2 million
- Function: ancient water cistern to supply water to the inhabitants of the Great Constantinople
Plan Your Visit to Basilica Cistern
Open: every day of the year
Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM
Duration of Visit: 30 mins to 1 hour
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to October to enjoy the pleasant autumn temperatures in Istanbul
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey
Nearest Landmarks: Hagia Sophia (14 m), Blue Mosque (300 m), Cistern of Theodosius (800 m), Topkapi Palace (3.3 km)
Description: The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, an area characterized by its narrow, winding streets lined with traditional Ottoman-style buildings, vibrant bazaars, and local restaurants serving delicious Turkish cuisine. Due to its favorable central location, you can visit the cistern’s underground columns and explore its nearby attractions as well.
Things to See at Basilica Cistern
Medusa Heads
The Basilica Cistern has two Medusa heads, one placed sideways and the other upside down. The structures have been repurposed from older relics and add an air of grandeur and mystery to the water palace.
Weeping Column
It is believed that in the 38 years that it took to build the cistern, several hundred slaves died. The cistern has a ‘Weeping Column’, engraved with peacocks, drooping branches, and tree leaves to honor their memory.
Stone Staircase
When you enter the Basilica Cistern, you have to descend a 52-step stone ladder to get to the marble columns and Medusa heads. As you descend the steps, you will slowly see the columns and the water rising into view.
Marble Columns
One of the biggest highlights of the Basilica Cistern is its 336 marble columns, which stand tall and support the roof. These columns showcase different styles and carvings, adding to the architectural beauty of the water palace.
Wooden Walkways
When exploring the Basilica Cistern, you have to use the wooden walkways to get up close to the chambers and columns. These walkways provide a convenient and safe way to explore its architectural beauty.
Reflective Waters
Take in the tranquil sight of the water-filled cistern. The mirror-like reflections make you ponder on the engineering marvel, that is the cistern, which once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
History of Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a standing testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Byzantine craftsmen and serves as a reminder of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. The cistern was built underground, spanning an area of 9800 square meters. Emperor Justinian I had commissioned the cistern’s construction to ensure a proper water supply to the Great Palace of Constantinople and its surrounding areas. Around 7000 slaves labored over its construction for a period of 38 years, among whom many died, and are now immortalized in the ‘Weeping Column’ inside the cistern.
Architecture of Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern’s roof is supported by a forest of 336 marble columns. The columns are said to have been repurposed from earlier structures, including ancient temples and buildings from the Roman period. They display a mix of various architectural styles like Doric, Corinthian, and Ionic, showcasing Istanbul’s fusion heritage.
Another intriguing aspect of the Basilica Cistern is the Medusa heads. The origin of these Medusa heads remains a mystery, and their presence adds an enigmatic element to the architecture. Throughout its existence, the Basilica Cistern underwent periods of neglect, rediscovery, and restoration. In the mid-16th century, during the Ottoman period, it was rediscovered by the French scholar Petrus Gyllius and brought back into the public eye.
Book Basilica Cistern Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Sarnici is an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul. It was once used to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and its surrounding areas.
The Byzantine Emperor, Justinian I had commissioned the construction of the Basilica Cistern in the 6th century to ensure a smooth water supply to the palace. It features rows of marble columns and a pristine water surface. Its unique architectural design, repurposed columns from the Roman period, and presence of the Medusa Heads attract visitors from all over the world.
When exploring the Basilica Cistern, look out for its roof, lined with 336 marble columns, repurposed from the ancient Roman period. The Medusa Heads, one placed sideways, and the other upside down, add to the architectural splendor of the Sunken Water Palace. You can walk along the wooden walkways and take in the views of the reflective water surface.
We recommend you purchase Basilica Cistern tickets online in advance because it is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, therefore, nearly always crowded with visitors. You may also access great deals and discounts when booking tickets online.
Basilica Cistern tickets range from around € 24.90 to € 29. You can avail of skip-the-line benefits along with an audio guide at € 24.90. If you want an expert English tour guide to accompany you, you can book the Basilica Cistern guided tour at € 29.
Yes, we recommend you book Basilica Cistern guided tours to delve deeper into Byzantine history and understand the unique architectural elements of the Yerebatan Water Palace.
It is not known who exactly designed the floor plan of the Basilica Cistern. However, several architects and craftsmen came together in the 6th century under the guidance of Emperor Justinian I to build the Basilica Cistern. While their names have not been recorded in historical sources, their contribution created an impressive underground water storage system.
Byzantine Emperor Justinian I commissioned the construction of the Basilica Cistern in the 6th century AD. The construction took place between 532 and 542 AD under his rule. Around 7000 slaves were involved in this cistern’s construction.
The Basilica Cistern is situated in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. It is located in Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey.
To reach the Basilica Cistern, you can pick any of the buses between 28, 30D, 46C, 54E, 66, 77A, 92C, 99A, or EM1, and get down at Eminonu-Iskele- Yesilkoy Yonu, a 4-minute walk from the attraction. You can also use the M2 metro, or T1 tram, or get on any train from the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik or Halkali to Gebze) routes, and reach Sirkeci, a 2-minute walk from the cistern.
The Basilica Cistern is open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM throughout the year.
March to May and September to October are the best months to visit the Basilica Cistern. While the weather has no bearing on the experience, the pleasant autumn weather is the best time to walk around Istanbul, explore its delicious cuisine, and visit other nearby attractions.
The 336 marble columns along the roof of the cistern, the Medusa Heads, the Weeping Column, and the tranquil water surface are some of the most impressive highlights inside the Basilica Cistern. You can walk along the wooden walkways and take in these sights.
The Basilica Cistern has elevators to help visitors with limited mobility navigate the space. However, there is no wheelchair facility on the site. If you need strollers or wheelchairs, you have to bring them along with you.
You can click pictures on your mobile phone inside the Basilica Cistern. However, avoid using tripods or other commercial equipment, as it may disturb other visitors.
While there is no dress code for visiting the Basilica Cistern, wear your most comfortable, closed shoes because the wooden walkways may be slippery, so you need shoes with a good grip.
The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Galata Tower are some of the most popular attractions in Sultanahmet Square. You must plan a day trip and visit all these nearby attractions after exploring the Basilica Cistern.
