29/05/2025
4.5 / 5
Discover the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey. Learn about its history, architecture, and visitor information for an unforgettable experience.
The Basilica Cistern, known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is one of Istanbul's most fascinating historical sites. Located beneath the city, this ancient underground water reservoir dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I.
The Basilica Cistern was constructed to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill of Istanbul. It was built using the materials from various ancient structures, showcasing the rich history of the city.
Visitors can explore the cistern's dimly lit pathways and enjoy the serene atmosphere created by the gentle sound of dripping water. The site is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals.
As of October 2023, the entrance fee to the Basilica Cistern is:
Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique experience, the Basilica Cistern is a must-visit destination in Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere and discover the secrets hidden beneath the bustling city above.
Bharath Kumar Mohandoss
4/5
Amazing and marvellous structure. Wonderful to see this Roman creation which speaks volume about their planning and precision. Came here and thought of buying the ticket but it was a long queue so bought it online. Must visit place in Istanbul. You can visit the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia and basilica cistern the same day and they are closely situated.
Martin Vanta
5/5
A charming and magical place that every visitor to Istanbul must not miss. Hidden beneath the surface of Istanbul are many cisterns or water tanks. One of the most important is the Basilica Cistern in the heart of the old city. Today, you'll find a popular underground museum inside. Most visitors spend about an hour in the cistern. The Cistern is also known as the Yerebatan Cistern or the Underground Palace. When you visit the cistern, the first thing you do is take the many stairs to the underground. The huge main chamber of the cistern is capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. The water was supplied here by a series of aqueducts from a reservoir 20 kilometres away on the Black Sea. It was then used as a water source for the palace and the basilica above it. Today, the cistern is only partially filled with water and you can see it by walking along the wooden walkways. The cistern is open to visitors every day from 9:00 to 22:00. Sometimes special night opening hours are also announced, when it is possible to visit the cistern as part of a tour from 22:00 to 0:00. I definitely recommend buying tickets in advance as a skip the line ticket. You won't be waiting as long to get in. There are crazy queues there.
Alyssa Becker
4/5
A really interesting underground piece of history in Istanbul. I enjoyed the various plays on Medusa and the upside down masks carved into the columns. There was more art and nuance than I expected. We were there for less than an hour and price was 1300 Turkish Lira (March 2025), which felt a little steep given how much time one actually spends there. We definitely enjoyed it, but I’m still trying to determine if it was worth the price of admission. It’s definitely cool underground - I’d suggest a jacket when visiting. Definitely an interesting site to see when in Istanbul. Our wait was shorted because our private guide allowed us to skip the line. Otherwise the line looked to be able 1 hour long. I would recommend pre-purchasing timed tickets if possible.
Average Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5