BASILICA CISTERN

Information

The Basilica Cistern in Turkey is an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during Byzantine rule in Istanbul. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I, it was designed to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and nearby areas.
On this page, you'll find essential details for planning your visit to this historic cistern.

Admission & Ticket Options

1) Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours

• Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern
• Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern with Skip-the-Line Tickets

2) Combo Tickets

• Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tickets
• Combo: Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
• Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tour
• Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia Tickets
• Combo: Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern

3) City Passes

For details on passes that grant access to this attraction, please refer to the passes page.

>> View all available passes here.

Exhibitions & Collections

• Medusa Heads: Two ancient Medusa carvings, repurposed as column bases, are among the cistern’s most intriguing elements, with their origins and positioning remaining a subject of speculation.
• The Weeping Column: A column distinguished by its teardrop-like carvings, believed to have been dedicated to the memory of enslaved workers who built the cistern.
• Vaulted Ceiling & Architectural Design: The structure’s brick-lined walls and arches are designed to withstand seismic activity, showcasing the advanced engineering techniques of the Byzantine Empire.
• Subterranean Water Reflection: The shallow water within the cistern enhances its mystical atmosphere, creating reflections that amplify its grandeur.

How to Get There

• By Tram: The closest stop is Sultanahmet Station (T1 Line), a short walk from the entrance.
  
• By Metro: Visitors from the Asian side can take the Marmaray to Sirkeci Station, then transfer to the tram or walk to Sultanahmet.
• By Bus: Public buses to Eminönü or Sirkeci provide easy access, with a 10-minute walk to the cistern.

Visitor Guidelines & Practical Information

• Last entry typically one hour before closing.
  
• Entry Fee: Admission tickets are required, and pricing varies for adults, children, and guided tours.
  
• Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed, but tripods and professional equipment require special permission.
  
• Accessibility: The site has been renovated to improve accessibility, but some uneven surfaces and stairs may pose challenges for visitors with mobility impairments.
  
• Best Visiting Times: Monday to Thursday mornings
• Basilica Cistern Night Shift Tickets: Evening entry is available through special Basilica Cistern Night tickets, offering a unique low-crowd atmosphere inside the Cistern.  Buy your Basilica Cistern Night Shift tickets with audio guide here

History of Basilica Cistern

Commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern was built to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and surrounding areas. It was part of a vast network of water storage systems, receiving water from the Belgrad Forest via the Valens Aqueduct.

Following the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the cistern remained in use for some time but was later abandoned as the Ottomans developed their own water systems. Rediscovered in the 16th century by travelers, it was eventually restored and opened to the public.
Today, it stands as an important historical site, offering insight into Byzantine engineering and Istanbul’s rich architectural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basilica Cistern 

Basilica Cistern Map

Basilica Cistern Photo Gallery