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Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

4.4

#3 of 6,005 in Things to do in Turkey

Architectural Building Ruin Must See

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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.

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Basilica Cistern Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

31,074 reviews

Google

4.5

• By William S

  Such a great place to visit. Once your eyes adjust to the light and you get a sense of the size of this huge water tank you will be delighted. Try to read about its history before you go!  more »

• By Preeti S

  eerily beautiful. You have to pay to get in, I don't remember exactly how much but it's worth it. I'd go again.  more »

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Google

• By Saja gharib

  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.

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• By Mason Cook

  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.

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