The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace, is a stunning underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. The cistern features 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each, supporting the cathedral-like ceiling. Its unique atmosphere and fascinating history make it a must-see attraction in Istanbul. You can explore the dimly lit cavern, marvel at the ancient architecture, and learn about the cistern's role in Istanbul's water supply system. This page provides essential information for tourists, including ticket options, opening hours, and fascinating facts about the Basilica Cistern's history and construction.
Know Before You Go
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Monday mornings |
| 💜 Must See: | Medusa Pillar Heads |
| 🎟️Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Ticket: | €28.90 |
Opening Hours And Address
Open daily from 9am to 6.30pm & 7.30pm to 11.50pm
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Recommended tickets to Basilica Cistern
We recommend that you buy tickets to visit the Basilica Cistern in advance and online. This will help you plan your visit and choose your preferred time slot. There are many ticket options, such as skip-the-line, guided tours, and combo deals, available for the Basilica Cistern on our website.
Why Visit the Basilica Cistern
Unique Atmosphere
Descend into the dimly lit cavern and immerse yourself in the mysterious ambiance of this ancient underground world.
Impressive Architecture
You'll see 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, supporting the cathedral-like ceiling adorned with intricate brickwork.
Medusa Heads
Discover the enigmatic Medusa heads, located at the base of two columns, shrouded in legends and superstitions.
Historical Significance
The subterranean structure of the Cistern was built in 532. Learn about the cistern's crucial role in Istanbul's ancient water supply system and its fascinating history spanning centuries.
Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning photographs in this otherworldly setting, with the play of light and shadow creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Basilica Cistern's History
The construction of the Basilica Cistern was commissioned by Emperor Justinian, and it was built in 532. The primary aim of the cistern was to service the water needs of the Great Palace and its surrounding buildings. The cistern fell to neglect when Constantinople was invaded by the Ottomans. In 1545, Frenchman Petrus Gyllius rediscovered the cistern when locals told him that they could get water by lowering the buckets into a dark space below their basement floors. In 1985, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality took over the Basilica Cistern, cleaned and renovated it, and then opened it to the public in 1987.
The Architecture of Basilica Cistern
The subterranean structure of the Basilica Cistern is 140 meters long, and 70 meters wide and covers an area of 9,800 square meters. With a floor plastered with a thick layer of brick dust mortar to make it water-resistant, the Cistern is supported by 336 pillars, each of which is 9 meters high and placed at a distance of 4.8 meters. The most famous of these pillars are the Medusa head base pillars. The Basilica Cistern is accessible through a 52-step stairway and its floor is. Each of the columns of the Cistern is different and features finely carved marble capitals.
Basilica Cistern Highlights
Medusa Head Base Pillars
Located on the north-western side of the cistern, the two medusa heads form the base for two of the pillars of the Basilica Cistern. One Medusa head base is placed sideways and the other head base is placed in an inverted position. It is believed that these bases were taken from an ancient Roman building and then used in the construction of the Basilica Cistern.
The Weeping Column
Of the many pillars that forms the cistern, there is one column that is always wet. With tear-like carvings on it, it is said that this pillar was built to honour the workers who were killed while the construction of the Basilica Cistern was underway.
The 300+ Marble Columns
The cavern is held up by 336 columns, towering at 9 metres. What's special about them is their style, ranging from the simplicity of Doric columns, to the intricate Corinthian. Some of these columns are believed to have once been a part of the Forum of Theodosius.
Best Time to Visit Basilica Cistern
The best time to visit the Basilica Cistern is during the off-season, March to May and/or September to November. Istanbul has a pleasant temperature in both the autumn and the spring season, so you wouldn’t have to worry about unpleasant weather during the off-season. However, the opening hours of the Basilica Cistern vary with the season, so we recommend that you check out their opening hours and plan your visit accordingly.
Basilica Cistern Opening Hours
Basilica Cistern is open daily from 9am to 11.50pm. On special days such as the New Year and other religious holidays, the Basilica Cistern opens at 1 pm. We recommend that before booking your tickets for visiting the Basilica Cistern online and in advance, you check out the opening hours of the attraction to have a smooth and hassle-free visit.
Getting There
- By Tram:
Though the tram is an affordable option, it does take longer to reach Basilica Cistern. It will take you around 50 minutes to reach Basilica Cistern by tram. Take the T1 tram line to the Sultanahmet station to reach the Basilica Cistern. - By Taxi:
The easiest way to travel to the Basilica Cistern is by taxi. From the airport, it will take you around 30-35 minutes to reach Basilica Cistern.
Restaurants Near Basilica Cistern
The Nars Brasserie is located between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It lies just behind the Basilica Cistern. This restaurant blends the cultural heritage of Turkey into its food. They have a rich drinks menu and offer a wide range of cuisine that is perfect for tourists and locals alike.
Just a 3-minute walk from the Basilica Cistern, the Saltanat Fish, and Kebab House is a must-try! The restaurant is known for its perfectly cooked meat kebabs, hummus, and chicken skewers. Don’t forget to try out their apple tea, coffee, lemonade, house wine, and baklava. If you are looking for good quality food at affordable prices, then Saltanat Fish and Kebab House is your go-to restaurant.
The Deraliye Terrace is a multi-cuisine restaurant located in the heart of the Sultanahmet district in Istanbul. Just a 2-minute walk from the Basilica Cistern, Deraliye Terrace offers delicious food that can be eaten while enjoying the panoramic views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. A great place for families and couples, the Deraliye Terrace is one of the best restaurants you will find in Istanbul.
Just a 1-minute walk from the Basilica Cistern, the Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasseries serves delicious Turkish and world cuisine. The restaurant’s buffet breakfast spread is worth checking out! You can also see your meals being prepared since the Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasserie has an open kitchen concept. The dishes at the restaurant are superbly presented and they taste as good as they look!
The House of Medusa restaurant is a 1-minute walk from the Basilica Cistern and offers local dishes inspired by Ottoman and Turkish cuisine. Located in a historical mansion and the ancient Sarayburnu peninsula, the House of Medusa restaurant is a must-try for foodies. Be sure to try their lamb stew on mashed eggplant and their sweetmeats with dried apricots, walnuts, and figs.
Basilica Cistern Facts
- The Basilica Cistern is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul.
- The Basilica Cistern can store around 80,000 cubic meters of water.
- The Cistern is over two thousand years old!
- Each of the 336 columns of the Basilica Cistern is different from the other.
- The entrance to the Basilica Cistern is right across the street from the Hagia Sophia.
- The Basilica Cistern delivered water to the Great Palace and its surrounding buildings via 20 kilometers long aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea.
- When the Byzantine emperors relocated, the Basilica Cistern was closed. It was rediscovered in 1545 by Petrus Gyllius.
Insider Tips for Visiting Basilica Cistern
- The Basilica Cistern closes at 5:30 pm during the winter and at 6:30 pm during the summer.
- If you are planning to buy on-the-spot tickets to visit Basilica Cistern, carry cash since they do not accept credit and debit cards.
- You cannot enter the Basilica Cistern with the museum pass that allows you to enter other museums in Istanbul.
- Since it is underground, the Basilica Cistern will be cool. It is advisable to carry a light cardigan when visiting the cistern.
- Since you will be walking a lot during your visit to the Basilica Cistern, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes to avoid slipping.
- Keep in mind that Istanbul is a religious place, so wear clothes that cover your arms and knees.
- You can click pictures inside the Basilica Cistern using only your mobile phone.
- We recommend that you book your tickets to visit the Basilica Cistern online and in advance.
- If you want to avoid the crowds during your visit to the Basilica Cistern, plan your visit during the off-season.
Things to Do Around Baslicia Cistern
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman empire. Known for its architectural beauty, the Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Christian church. It has minarets and inscriptions from Islam and lavish mosaics of Christianity.
The Blue Mosque, known as the ‘Sultanahmet Camii’ in Turkish, is another popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. The historical mosque is referred to as the ‘Blue Mosque’ due to the blue tiles that surround the wall of its interiors. The historical mosque is located on the Sarayburnu peninsula.
Housed in the palace complex, the Topkapi Palace exhibits the imperial collection of the Ottoman empire. It also has an extensive collection of books and manuscripts in its library. The palace complex was the administrative center and residence of the Imperial Ottoman court from 1478 to 1856.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the world’s oldest and largest covered market. Home to more than four thousand shops, the Grand Bazaar is a one-stop shop for everything that you want. Be it apparel, edibles, or items specific to Turkish culture and cuisine, everything is easily available here.
FAQs
The Basilica Cistern is over two thousand years old.
The Basilica Cistern was commissioned by Emperor Justinian.
The Basilica Cistern is 140 meters long, and 70 meters wide and spans an area of 9,800 square meters.
Yes! Skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern are worth it because they help you gain priority entry to the attraction. This means no waiting in long queues and wasting time.
You can explore the Basilica Cistern within 1 to 2 hours.
The best way to reach the Basilica Cistern is by taxi.
The Basilica Cistern is open throughout the year. However, on New Year and other religious holidays, the Basilica Cistern opens at 1 pm instead of 9 am.
On Christmas and New Year, the Basilica Cistern opens at 1 pm.
You will not find any restaurants inside the Basilica Cistern, but you will find restaurants near the attraction that are just a 1 or 3-minute walk away from the Cistern.
Unfortunately, there are no washrooms at the Basilica Cistern.
There is no dress code to visit the Basilica Cistern, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and footwear since you will be walking a lot. You must also keep in mind that Turkey is a religious place, so try to wear garments that cover your arms and knees.
Visitors are required to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and regularly sanitize their hands while visiting the Basilica Cistern.
