Basilica Cistern: Tickets

Basilica Cistern Tickets - Prices, Tours and Visitor Information

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Quick Information

• Basilica Cistern Address: Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34410, Istanbul
• Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 22:00
• Recommended Visit Time: 30–45 minutes
• Best For: History lovers, photography and architecture
• Nearest Tram Stop: Sultanahmet (T1 Line)
• Tickets Required: Yes

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What Is Basilica Cistern in Istanbul?

• 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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Is Basilica Cistern Worth Visting?

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.
• Photography enthusiasts will also enjoy it due to the lighting and shadows.

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Best Time to Visit Basilica Cistern

Depending on the expoerice you would like to have:

• Early mornings: Tend to be quieter
• Evenings: Offer atmospheric lighting
• Weekdays: Are generally less crowded
• Summer: Queues can be long
• Winter: Visits are calmer

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About Basilica Cistern in Istabbul

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, 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 the columns feature carvings of Medusa heads at their base and their purpose still 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.

The columns add to its grandeur and visitors 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

• Stone Columns: The marble columns add to the grandeur of the building as they reach up to 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 create a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can look down and see the reflection of the roof and the columns in the still water.

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