Explore the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns located below the city at Basilica Cistern. This fascinating chamber of the underground water systems, commissioned in 532 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is remarkable for its practical and artistic value. After a complete renovation in the 1980s, the cistern became one of the most popular tourist sites in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district. Walk along the wooden platforms beneath the dark, vaulted ceilings of this cathedral-sized cistern and see its famous Medusa-head pillar and Hen's Eye column. Put Basilica Cistern at the forefront of your travel plans using our Istanbul holiday planning website.
Create an itinerary including Basilica Cistern
Tours to Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern reviews
-
The basement for the basilica is the cistern . The dimensions will impress anyone, The age and conditions are amazing for such an old building. even today it would be hard to build like that and last.... more »
-
We learned a lot about the way Turks preserved water. It is beautiful too. Now the cistern is used for special occasions. more »
-
This is one of my BEST experiences in Istanbul. If i can give it a 10 star i would. The whole atmosphere and interior of the whole space is just beyond your imagination. I would definitely recommend to buy the pictures as they dress you up in the authentic Turkish costumes. I still have it as an amazing souvenir. I loved every minute of this.
-
Cool place! I enjoyed wandering through the columns with the eerie soundtrack they played. The lighting was effective and really added to the experience. It is excellent value for money, but watch your step, it's very slippery down there. The wishing pool is a place to those a coin in and make a wish, only there was no pool, the water was very low. I know this is completely out of their control and my rating does not include this. I just thought it was funny watching people throwing money onto concrete and hoping something magical will happen. Definitely good you're in the area.
Plan your trip to Istanbul
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Istanbul
Historic Sites in Istanbul
Shopping in Istanbul
Museums in Istanbul
Hidden gems in Istanbul
Nearby attractions in Istanbul
Trips to Basilica Cistern by other users
2 days in Turkey
BY A USER FROM TURKEY
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
17 days in Turkey
BY A USER FROM PAKISTAN
Istanbul
Ankara
Goreme
18 days in Turkey
BY A USER FROM FRANCE
Istanbul
Pamukkale
Dalyan
15 days in Istanbul
BY A USER FROM OMAN
Mısır Çarşısı
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia Mosque
14 days in Italy & Istanbul
BY A USER FROM BAHRAIN
Rome
Florence
Milan
1 day in Istanbul
BY A USER FROM TURKEY
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Veliefendi Race Course