Basilica Cistern Travel Guide

The Deep Secrets of Istanbul Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, is one of the popular attractions of Istanbul. With its streets smelling of history, fascinating architecture and unique culture, many locals and tourists come. The Basilica Cistern is an underground structure full of mystery that contains the historical secrets of Istanbul. 

Historical and Architectural Features of the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, which has a 1500-year history stretching from Rome to Byzantium, from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic, is a gigantic underground structure designed for water storage. It was built in the center of the city to provide water to the Great Palace, which was built during the Roman period and was the administrative center by Iustinian, and the buildings around it.

According to Historical Sources, the water comes to the Basilica Cistern from the Hadrian transmission line. It is known that it covers an area of about 10 thousand m2, has a length of 140 m and a width of 65 m, and has a capacity to store 80 thousand m3 of water. These columns, arranged in a total of 336 columns and 12 rows, create the stunning atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern. The column headings are reminiscent of the Roman geography.

Landmarks have been brought to the Basilica cistern from other places and it has added a difference to its architectural structure. One of them was brought from a different position, such as tear milk, and its architectural structure was resurrected to function again. During the Ottoman period, the Basilica cistern was examined by Petrus Gyllius and it is known that it was said that it was used to draw water because it remained under people's houses.

The Basilica cistern was revised for the first time by Kayseri Mehmet Ağa, one of the architects of the Ottoman Period. Later, the Ottoman Sultan, II. It has been revised twice by Abdulhamit. in 1955- 1960, 9 cisterns were reinforced because they were risky. Later, between 1985 and 1987, comprehensive maintenance, repair and research studies were carried out by the Istanbul municipality of that period Dec. During these studies, Medusa heads were found. Revised and comprehensive research was completed in 1987 and opened to visitors as a Museum, many events and exhibitions have been organized here.

The Basilica cistern Museum has finally started comprehensive maintenance and restoration works by the IMM in 2016, but the restoration works have not made any progress until the end of 2019. Later, some scientific studies were carried out in 2020 and strengthening works were carried out due to the inadequacy of the earthquake. The Basilica Cistern was reopened to visitors in 2022.

Inverted Medusa Column

Yerebatan Sarnıcı'nın en çarpıcı özelliklerinden biri, sütunlarının bazılarının Medusa başlı olmasıdır. Bu sıra dışı detaylar, mimarinin zenginliğini ve tarihini vurgular. Ziyaretçiler, bu sarnıcın içinde dolaşırken, yüzyıllar öncesine yapılmış bir zaman yolculuğuna çıkarlar. 

A Tourist Paradise

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most important tourist attractions of Istanbul. If you are visiting Istanbul, you should book a day to see the Basilica Cistern. With its historical depths, mysterious atmosphere and unique architecture, this underground cistern will fascinate you. Get ready to explore this ancient structure in the heart of Istanbul and embark on an unforgettable historical journey!

To experience the mysterious atmosphere of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is an ideal destination for history lovers and travelers looking for adventure. This ancient water structure opens its doors to everyone who wants to explore the rich history of Istanbul. To accumulate unforgettable memories and delve into the historical depths, explore the Basilica Cistern!

Basilica Cistern 2024 Entrance Fees

Entrance Fee Prices

ticket Prices between 09.00-18.30 Dec            

• Domestic Guest: 80 TL
• Foreign Guest: 600 TL
• Students: 30

ticket prices Dec between 19.30-22.00 hours

• Local Visitor: 250 TL
• Foreign visitor: 1.000 TL
• Student: 100 TL

Brief Information about the Basilica Cistern

• if you want to visit between 19.30-22.00 hours, you can get your ticket from the Basilica cistern box office at 19:30. Dec.
• The Basilica Cistern is closed to visitors between 18.30-19.30 hours. The basilica Cistern is closed to visitors between 18.30-19.30 hours. Dec.
• Make sure that you have your ID with you for discounted and free admission, this is applied within the online discounted ticket. Because there is a demand for relative friends at the entrance.
• There are no Museum Cards in the Basilica Cistern.
• Your payments by credit card and cash TL are valid. There is no other currency ( Foreign Currency ) passing through.
• You can purchase Basilica Cistern entrance tickets online from Passo.
• Purchased tickets are eligible for admission only once on the same day. There is no ticket refund.
• Admission to children, physically and visually impaired and disabled citizens with a disability rate of 70% and above is free of charge. (Their ID must be with them Decently and the visiting hours are between 09.00-18.30)
• If you want to visit as a group, an appointment must be made before the trip.
• Due to the security situation and excessive density, the entry of large items is prohibited.

Where is the Basilica Cistern? How Do I Get There?

The Basilica Cistern is located where there are popular and historical traces of Istanbul. Especially it is located in a very close location to Sultanahmet Square.

Address: Yerebatan Caddesi, 34410 Sultanahmet/Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

Tel: +90 (212) 222 28 82

Mail: [email protected]

Map: ClickHere For The Location

Transportation Options:

• Public Transportation: The T1 Tram Line located in Istanbul is a convenient option for transportation to the Basilica Cistern. You can reach the cistern in just a few minutes on foot from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
• Private Car: If you have a private car or prefer to use a taxi, the Basilica Cistern is easily accessible because it is located quite close to the city center. However, it is important to take into account city traffic.
• Car rental: from Istanbul Fatih, Sultanahmet locations arabakirala.com.tr you can book a car rental from the website and add comfort and color to your sightseeing routes.