Basilica Cistern Guided Tours | Explore The Largest Underground Cistern in Istanbul
Book Your Basilica Cistern Kkip The Line Tickets
Basilica Cistern is one of the largest underground cisterns in Istanbul. Home to the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 542. The sole purpose was to make the structure meet the water needs of the palaces. There are numerous ways to explore the place, however, a guided tour is the one you should opt for.
Why Take a Basilica Cistern Guided Tour?
- Go on a guided tour of Basilica Cistern, which is a famous Underground Palace or the Yerebatan Saray in Istanbul.
- Take a walk through this architectural marvel that belongs to the A.C 542. It took 7000 workers to build this underground palace.
- Know about the architecture of the Basilica Cistern from your experienced guide.
- Learn about the 336 columns that are 9 meters long from the expert guide and see how each column is different from one another.
- Guided tours are available in multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
- Know about the major parts of the cistern and how it supplied 80,000 cubic meters of water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings of First Hill.
Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided Tours:
- Guided tours always come with an expert guide who lets you explore Basilica Cistern at its best.
- Get an insight into the history and architecture of the Basilica Cistern.
- The guided tours are organized in small groups for an interactive experience.
- The tickets allow you to skip the line at Basilica Cistern. You can also choose the tour in English, Spanish, German or French.
Non-Guided Tours:
- If you want to explore Basilica Cistern on your own, you can opt for an entry ticket to Basilica Cistern without a guide.
- Instead of going with the group, you get to explore the place at your own pace.
- You will be required to wait in line to get the ticket to the Basilica Cistern.
- To enjoy the self-guided tour, you can also opt for an audio guide.
What to Expect on a Basilica Cistern Guided Tour?
Meet the guide and start your Basilica Cistern guided tour that includes access to the attraction and an expert guide. By opting for a guided tour of Basilica Cistern, you can skip the line at the attraction and directly enter the attraction. Visit one of the largest and most popular cisterns in Istanbul. Know about the structure that was made by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the year 542.
Admire the marvelous Roman architecture, watch the different 336 9-meter long columns, and two Medusa heads. See how after 1500 years, the structure and architecture remain bespoke to the history and legacy of the Byzantine Empire.
Highlights Covered on Your Basilica Cistern Guided Tour
Medusa Heads
The mysterious Medusa heads are the wonder of the Basilica Cistern. The ancient Medusa head sits beneath a column at Basilica Cistern. The two of the Medusa heads are sideways and the other one is completely upside-down. It is said that the heads may have been removed from an ancient building named “Forum of Constantine”, where similar heads have been found.
Long Colonnades
The ancient texts at Basilica Cistern with gardens are surrounded by four colonnaded stoas surrounding the court and facing the Hagia Sophia. Emperor Justinian made a suitable storage reservoir for the summer season at one of the stoas. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine built the structure, and after that Emperor Justinian rebuilt it.
Weeping Pillar
The structure holds three hundred and thirty-six Marble Pillars and each Pillar is above 9 meters long and placed 4.8 meters away. Each column is different from one another, where you will find noteworthy parts of the Basilica Cistern; the two Medusa heads.
Basilica Cistern Visitor Tips
- Book your Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines and secure your place on the tour.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the guided tour will require a lot of walking.
- Carry your valid photo ID proof for verification at the entrance gate.
- Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start time of their tour.
- Personal photography is allowed inside the Basilica Cistern.
- The guided tour is available in 9 different languages; English, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Chinese, and Turkish.
- The entrance stairs at Basilica Cistern are not accessible for wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basilica Cistern Guided Tours
A. Yes, you can book a Basilica Cistern guided tour.
A. You can book a Basilica Cistern guided tour online.
A. Basilica Cistern guided tour costs around €28.
A. There is one Basilica Cistern: Skip the line ticket with a guided tour is available for the visitors.
A. The Basilica Cistern guided tour includes an expert English-speaking guide with an entry ticket to the Basilica Cistern.
A. Basilica Cistern guided tours are available in the English language.
A. The Basilica Cistern guided tour covers the building of the underground cistern with shallow waters of the reservoir.
A. Yes, the Basilica Cistern guided tour is worth your time. Basilica Cistern is a large underground water reservoir, which was constructed back in 532 AD.
A. Yes, your Basilica Cistern guided tour includes skip-the-line access.
