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![Medusa haed in The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/d9a8bcc55350cea1037e28f39cef2109-22671-Istanbul-BlueMosque-BasilicaCistern-ComboTour-12.jpg?w=438&h=274.5&crop=faces&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min)
![Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/5f8ff45bc26d09d24d65ae68bbc0c90b-25537-Combo-DolmabahcePalace-HagiaSophia-BasilicaCisternGuidedTour---005.jpg?w=438&h=274.5&crop=faces&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min)
![Pillars of basilica cistern](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/06f55e1d5230edfec95a0e669c989070-22671-Istanbul-BlueMosque-BasilicaCistern-ComboTour-10.jpg?w=438&h=274.5&crop=faces&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min)
![Renovated Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet District Fatih, Istanbul](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/47fe6ae00c15f5ef613efc681592f67b-12025-istanbul-istanbul-pass-with-access-to-top-attractions-012.jpg?w=438&h=274.5&crop=faces&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min)
Enjoy an informative guided tour of one of the largest ancient water cisterns in Istanbul with exclusive skip-the-line tickets!
Highlights
Highlights
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Skip the long lines and discover one of the most-visited museums in Istanbul.
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Learn more about the Basilica Cistern’s history and the outstanding engineering prowess of the Byzantines.
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Witness the famous Hen’s Eye Column and Medusa Pillar Bases, which have been featured in several Hollywood films.
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Opt for the multilingual audio guide to gain intriguing insights into the museum and its exhibits.
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You can make your experience even better by upgrading your ticket to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque.
Inclusions
Inclusions
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Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
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Multilingual audio guide (optional)
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Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia English guided tour (optional)
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
Reviews
Cotofana
Sep, 2024
Barbara
Sep, 2024
Marianna
Sep, 2024
Palamariu
Sep, 2024
Kenneth
Sep, 2024
Your Experience
Your Experience
From Dan Brown’s wildly popular novel Inferno to the 1963 James Bond film ‘From Russia With Love’, the Basilica Cistern has always been a part of popular culture. Built during the reign of Justinian I, the cistern itself is a paragon of 6th century Byzantine architecture. As you enter this cavernous subterranean marvel, you will be greeted by a dim golden hue that glistens off the surface of the water.
As you walk on the raised wooden platforms amongst the 336 massive columns that support the structure, prepare to be enchanted by the gentle pitter-patter of water dripping from the vaulted ceiling and the ghostly outlines of carp that populate the water. The Medusa column bases in the northwest portion of the cistern are a particularly mesmerizing sight. Your guide will tell you about the various theories surrounding the mysterious origin of the two stone heads that are oriented sideways.
Upgrade to Include Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace
Enhance your experience with guided tours. When you sign up for this exclusive offer, your name will be added to the list of monuments over the course of three days. Visit any monument at any available time, or meet us outside two museums where we'll guide you past long lines! With a flexible combo ticket that allows access to all three attractions, feel free to explore them together or independently - it's totally up to you!
Operating hours
Operating hours
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Important information
- It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
My tickets
My tickets
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly after the purchase.
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Please display the same along with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid any delays.
Ticket redemption point
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Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.
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Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
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Landmark: In front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica.
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