Basilica Cistern Tickets

Step into the mystique of Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century underground marvel! This ancient water reservoir, built during Emperor Justinian I's reign, holds 80,000 cubic meters of water and whispers secrets of the past. Having witnessed the rise and fall of empires, its ambiance is a treasure trove of history. Visit this subterranean wonder and explore its majestic halls with these tickets.

Maximize your savings with our combo tickets! We offer various packages that cover multiple nearby attractions. You’ll save up to 3% if you book the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia combo ticket.

Opt for a guided tour that delves deeper into the cistern's history and significance. Expert guides will regale you with anecdotes and insights about the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman era.

Consider combo tickets that give you access to multiple attractions, such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass is value for money! 

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace or the Byzantine Cistern is a structure infused with architecture and technology from various empires. While visiting, make sure you don’t miss these must-see parts of the cistern.

Step into the Basilica Cistern's majestic atmosphere, where 336 marble columns, each 8 meters high, stretch towards the ceiling. Spread across an area the size of a football field, these columns are a marvel. Some boast Corinthian ornamentations, while others remain plain, yet each one is uniquely distinct. Legend has it that they were recycled from various parts of the city, adding to the cistern's mystique.

Two Medusa heads, from the 2nd century BC, serve as column bases at the cistern's northwest corner. Their enigmatic presence adds to the mystique of the ancient structure. One head is positioned upside down, while the other is sideways. Its exact purpose is unknown but one theory suggests it represents new gods replacing old ones by the Byzantine regime that took over the region. 

This singular column in the cistern is a must-see. Adorned with intricate Turkish eye engravings that cover its entire length and circumference, it's said to have been crafted by the slaves who built it. According to legend, it possesses the mystical power to grant wishes.

The cistern's waters are crystal clear despite only holding a shallow level of water today - a fraction of its original 80,000 cubic meter capacity. The waters are home to fish, which were likely used by royalty in the past as a primitive water quality test. According to legend, if the fish died, it was a warning sign that the water was contaminated and unfit for consumption.

Since its reopening in 2022, the administration occasionally showcases temporary artistic installations within the cistern's dark chambers. These thoughtfully curated exhibits blend seamlessly with the historic structure, often giving the impression that they are permanent features.

Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox church, is a short stroll away. Its stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics make it a must-visit. Explore the museum's upper galleries, which house a fascinating collection of Byzantine artifacts. Be sure to admire the stunning mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible, as well as the impressive dome that has withstood the test of time. Get Hagia Sophia tickets today to visit this magnificent structure.

The Topkapi Palace Museum is a museum containing imperial collections of the erstwhile Ottoman empire, including a library of books and manuscripts from that era. Once a palatial administrative center, the palace has stunning architecture and interesting exhibits that will take you back to a time of sultans and Turkish regimes.

Constructed in 1616, the Blue Mosque is a testament to the aesthetic genius of the Ottomans. The hand-painted blue tiles make the structure look ethereal in the moonlight, shining off its five main domes and glittering minarets. A visit to this mosque is sure to leave you in awe!

Built in the Byzantine era, this defense outpost was the largest tower along the walls of Galata. It has survived multiple regimes and wars that have left it renovated and infused with Ottoman and Geonose elements. Climb this 219 ft. tower to get scintillating views of the historic city of Istanbul with Galata Tower tickets.  

Hop aboard a cruise boat or yacht and sail the pristine waters of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul. On these popular Bosphorus cruises, you will get a chance to see the city’s most prized landmarks such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and Hagia Sophia while having a delectable meal.