Explore the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns located below the city at Basilica Cistern. This fascinating chamber of the underground water systems, commissioned in 532 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is remarkable for its practical and artistic value. After a complete renovation in the 1980s, the cistern became one of the most popular tourist sites in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district. Walk along the wooden platforms beneath the dark, vaulted ceilings of this cathedral-sized cistern and see its famous Medusa-head pillar and Hen's Eye column. Put Basilica Cistern at the forefront of your travel plans using our Istanbul holiday planning website.
Tours to Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern reviews
-
Yes it's huge and has the famous Medusas. Beyond that the quietly dynamic lighting is very effective and the contemporary sculptures are delightful and not intrusive
Yes it's huge and has the famous Medusas. Beyond that the quietly dynamic lighting is very effective and the contemporary sculptures are delightful and not intrusive more »
-
Here is another old historical site that you must see. Pls be aware that is is very hot and humid inside, there are long lines but all so worth it!
Here is another old historical site that you must see. Pls be aware that is is very hot and humid inside, there are long lines but all so worth it! more »
-
This place is spectacular! Very dramatic and unique architectural design. Can not imagine how this place is well conserved. Each column structure has a very remarkable character. Very spacious and self-guided once you enter. It would have been nice if they offer a recorded audio tour to give people the opportunity to learn more about the place. If you want to skip the line highly recommend purchasing your tickets online. Also, note there is no restroom on site.
-
This is a must see when in Istanbul Turkey. The weekend we were here, there was a wait line but it moves pretty fast. We waited for our guide ans watched the people in line. If you want to bypass the line you need a tour guide. They will charge you for the tickets and tour 15-25 US per person. We only have 3 days here so the tour guide made sense. Beautiful cistern, 336 columns in total. They just renovated, and improved the walking platforms, made them higher. During contraction there was some modern art added. Looks amazing along with the original artifacts. Since the renovation, the entrance is at the side if the main building. Not the little one. It's just around the corner. 20 second walk. There are security guards that will help you. If meeting a guide, make sure you know where you meet them.
Plan your trip to Istanbul
-
Compose it!Your own itinerary for your car vacation, beach vacation, city trip, any near or distant journey ... ready within 10 minutes.
-
Customize it.Refine your plan. We find the best routes and opportunities.
-
Book it.Choose from the best accommodations (Expedia, AirBnB), airlines and activities, by yourself or share with travel professionals for the utmost experience. Up to 50% discount!
-
Do it yourself.Or share your plan with travel professionals for a customized trip
Popular things to do in Istanbul
Historic Sites in Istanbul
Shopping in Istanbul
Museums in Istanbul
Hidden gems in Istanbul
Nearby attractions in Istanbul
Trips in Basilica Cistern by other users
60 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Rome
Florence
Barcelona
7 days in Istanbul
BY TRAVELXL
Sirkeci Station
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia Mosque
15 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM SWEDEN
Prague
Budapest
Istanbul
8 days in Europe (1)
BY TRAVELXL
Paris
Barcelona
Rome
10 days in Istanbul
BY A USER FROM GERMANY
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
18 days in Europe
BY TRAVELXL
Amsterdam
Paris
Barcelona