Basilica Cistern
Travel Point Overview
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most captivating historical landmarks, built in 532 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, this massive underground reservoir is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, covering an enorm
Basilica Cistern: The Mysterious Underground Treasure of Istanbul
📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
🏛 Built: 532 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I
🗼 Also Known As: Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
💧 Capacity: 100,000 tons of water storage
🎟 Entrance Fees (2025): Different pricing for local and international visitors (details below).
🚇 How to Get There: A short walk from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
History and Architectural Features
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most captivating historical landmarks, built in 532 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, this massive underground reservoir is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, covering an enormous area beneath the former Stoa Basilica.
Visitors descend into the cistern via a 52-step stone staircase, where they are met with a breathtaking forest of 336 towering columns, each 9 meters high.
🏛 Key Architectural Features:
- Columns: Most columns are cylindrical, with some featuring carvings of Peacock Eyes, Weeping Tears, and Hanging Branch motifs.
- Medusa Heads: Two magnificent Medusa heads in the northwest corner serve as column bases, masterpieces of Roman-era sculpture.
- Water Supply: The cistern was supplied with water from Belgrad Forest, 19 km away, via the Valens Aqueduct (971 meters long, built by Emperor Valens) and the Mağlova Aqueduct (115.45 meters long, built by Justinian I).
- Restorations: The Ottoman Empire restored the cistern twice under Sultan Ahmed III and Sultan Abdulhamid II, while the Republic of Turkey conducted major restorations in 1985.
Today, Basilica Cistern offers an immersive historical and artistic experience, enhanced by atmospheric lighting and its stunning architectural grandeur.
Entrance Fees & Visiting Hours
⏳ 09:00 - 18:30 Session Fees:
🎟 Local Visitors: 300 TL
🎟 Foreign Visitors: 1,300 TL
🎟 Students: 75 TL
⏳ 19:30 - 22:00 Session Fees:
🎟 Local Visitors: 500 TL
🎟 Foreign Visitors: 2,000 TL
🎟 Students: 300 TL
🛑 Important Notices:
✔ Tickets for the 19:30 - 22:00 session can only be purchased at the ticket office from 19:30.
✔ The cistern is closed between 18:30 - 19:30 for session adjustments.
✔ Valid ID is required for discounted and free entry.
✔ Museum Pass is NOT valid as the cistern is not affiliated with the Ministry of Culture.
✔ Payments can be made by credit card or Turkish Lira (cash). Foreign currency is NOT accepted.
✔ Tickets can be purchased online via Passo.
Who Can Enter for Free?
✅ Free entry (between 09:00 - 18:30) is granted to:
- Children
- Individuals with physical and visual disabilities (and their accompanying guardians, if registered)
- Visitors with a disability rating of 70% or higher (with official proof)
Visitor Guidelines & Safety Regulations
🔹 Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside.
🔹 Security checks are conducted at the entrance.
🔹 The floor can be damp and slippery—wear comfortable shoes.
🔹 Photography is allowed, but flash usage is prohibited.
How to Get to Basilica Cistern?
📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
🚋 Public Transport Options:
- Tram: Take the T1 Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line and get off at Sultanahmet Station.
- Bus: Buses heading towards Eminönü or Beyazıt stop nearby.
- Ferry: From Kadıköy or Üsküdar, take a ferry to Eminönü, then walk or take a tram to Sultanahmet.
🚶♂️ Basilica Cistern is within walking distance from Sultanahmet Square, located directly opposite Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
Why Visit Basilica Cistern?
🌊 A Hidden Underground World: Walk through an ancient reservoir with a mystical ambiance.
🏛 Historical & Architectural Wonder: Admire the Medusa Heads and unique Byzantine-Ottoman influences.
📷 A Photographer’s Paradise: Capture breathtaking reflections and dramatic lighting.
🎭 An Immersive Cultural Experience: The cistern hosts art exhibitions and light installations.
Discover Basilica Cistern with Advisormapp!
📲 Use the Advisormapp app to easily navigate to Basilica Cistern, access historical insights, and enjoy an audio guide for a richer experience.
⏳ Visit Basilica Cistern and step into one of Istanbul’s most magical underground treasures! 🚀✨
