Basilica Cistern: Tickets

Basilica Cistern Tickets and Information

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• Basilica Cistern Address: Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34410, Istanbul
• Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 22:00

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Is Basilica Cistern Worth Visiting

• The incredible water reservoir is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul.

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What You See At Basilica Cistern

• Inside the reservoir - it’s unlikely like any reservoir you’ve seen before!
• The Medusa-heads on the columns!

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About Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), is one of Istanbul's incredible historic landmarks. A subterranean wonder that combines Byzantine engineering brilliance with mysterious charm!

The ancient water reservoir is in the Sultanahmet district near the Hagia Sophia Mosque. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD (6th century), and was designed to store water for the 'Great Palace of Constantinople' and the surrounding areas. Its name ‘Basilica Cistern’ comes from a basilica that once stood above the cistern, so it’s not actually a religious building at all, merely named after one that used to stand in its place.

The building covers 9,800 square metres and has a capacity to hold 100,000 tons of water! It has 336 marble columns, each of which is 9 metres high and they are arranged in 12 rows in order to support the vaulted ceilings. Two of these columns feature carvings of Medusa heads as bases, which is an intriguing feature shrouded in myth and speculation, as it appears that nobody actually knows why it was done!

You can learn about how the cistern provided water for the area as you wander round and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the incredible building. The dimly lit pathways and the lights reflecting in the water add to the atmosphere, as does the gentle noise of the water in the background. The vast columns just add to it's grandeur. You can also see the famous crying pillar with its carvings. Its said it was built to represent the slaves that lost their lives during the construction of the Basilica Cistern.

Things to see at Basilica Cistern

• Grand Stone Columns: The cistern is supported by over 300 magnificent marble columns and each adds to the grandeur of the building as they reach and support the ceiling.
• Medusa's Heads: Spot the two vast Medusa's heads that have been carved into the stone on two of the column bases. Its still not known as to why they were carved!
• Weeping Column/Tear Pillar/Peacocks Eye: The fascinating single column at the basilica that has been intricately carved. Its said it was done to commemorate the slaves that sadly lost their lives during the construction of the building. Known by different nicknames due to the different angles you view it and the different things it can resemble, from tears rolling down a cheek to a peacocks eye.
• Water Reflections: With the dim light and the still water, the reflections that are created offer a relaxing atmosphere. You can look down and see the reflection of the roof and the columns in the still water.

The Basilica Cistern is a fascinating place to visit.

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