Basilica Cistern: Tickets

Istanbul's 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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What Is Basilica Cistern and What You Can See‍

• An ancient water reservoir with beautiful architecture and some mystery due to features including the famous Medusa heads and Column of Tears.
• Inside you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere which is created by the lighting and the relaxing sound of the water.
• It is one of Istanbul's most visited landmarks, known for its striking architecture and appearances in several films, so film fans often like to visit to see it in person.

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Who Can Enjoy Basilica Cistern and What Makes It Different From Other Attractions

• Basilica Cistern is most probably going to be enjoyed more by adults rather than younger ones.
• Architecture fans will enjoy it due to its history and the techniques used.

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What is the Basilica Cistern and Is It Worth Visiting

If you're an architecture fan, definitely, as it is a beautiful building. The ancient subterranean water reservoir is one of the city's most famous landmarks and combines Byzantine engineering brilliance with mysterious charm! It was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD (6th century) to store water for the 'Great Palace of Constantinople' and the surrounding area.

Its name 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 it's place. It covers 9,800 square metres and has a capacity to hold 100,000 tons of water!

The cistern is known for its 336 marble columns which are 9 metres high and arranged in 12 rows to support the vaulted ceiling. Two of these columns feature carvings of Medusa heads at their base and their purpose remains a mystery.

The dim lighting and reflections on the water create a calm, atmospheric space that feels very different from the busy streets above. As you walk along the raised platforms, the sound of water and the scale of the columns make the cistern feel almost cathedral-like and quite romantic. It's one of those places where you don't want to speak too loudly as you don't want to disturb the peace!

The columns add to its grandeur and you can also see the other famous pillar that is known for its 'crying' carvings. It is sometimes said it was built to represent the slaves that lost their lives during the construction.

Highlights to see

• Grand Stone Columns: The marble columns that add to the grandeur of the building as they reach and support the ceiling and because of the lighting, they are impressive to see.
• Medusa's Heads: The two Medusa's heads that have been carved into the stone on two of the column bases.
• Column of Tears: The single column that was intricately carved with the weeping eyes. The column is known by several names including the 'Weeping Column', the 'Tear Pillar' and the 'Peacock's 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.

How long do you need to spend at Basilica Cistern

• You can enjoy it in less than an hour. It isn't a huge space to explore, but it is interesting to see in person, especially if you are an architecture fan.

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Click HERE to see our Basilica Cistern Ticket Options

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