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Basilica Cistern tickets
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Why visit the Basilica Cistern, Turkey?
- Historical significance: Delve into history as you wander through this Byzantine wonder. Learn about the cistern's role in ancient Constantinople's water supply system and its intriguing past, including its transformation into a popular tourist attraction.
- Subterranean serenity: Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Basilica Cistern's subterranean world. The dimly lit pathways, coupled with the gentle sound of water, create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city above.
- Marvel at ancient engineering: See the stunning architecture of the underground Basilica Cistern, with large corridors and 336 marble columns highlighting the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering.
- Experience a visual spectacle: The grand architecture of the underground cistern, highlighted by the soft glow of strategically placed lights, turns your visit into a visual spectacle.
- Sculpture art: The two columns at the north-western part of the Basilica Cistern display some of the most beautiful sculpture art, including its famous Medusa Heads. It was believed that Medusa, one of the Gorgon monsters, would guard the Basilica.
Which Basilica Cistern ticket is best for you?
If you are short on time
Go for: skip-the-line tickets
Duration: around 1 hour
Guide: Multilingual audio guide
- With these Basilica Cistern skip the line tickets, you can bypass long lines at the Basilica Cistern and spend more time exploring the beauty and history of the underground cistern.
- You can also upgrade your ticket to include a multilingual audio guide or avail of a combo offer that includes access to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Recommended tours:
- Skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern
If you are a history enthusiast
Go for: guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Expert English-speaking tour guide and an audio guide in over 8 languages
- This guided tour includes a professional tour guide to acquaint you with the construction process and cultural significance of the Basilica Cistern.
- Take advantage of skip the line access and a multilingual audio guide to learn about the Basilica Cistern museum in any language of your choice.
Recommended tours:
- Guided tour of Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: combo tickets and Istanbul passes
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Expert English-speaking tour guide or an audio guide, depending on the ticket option
- Visit a variety of attractions like the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque with a single combo ticket.
- Enjoy discounts on combo tickets or get the Headout Saver Pass with 3 days skip the line acsess to Istanbul's top attractions.
Recommended tours:
- Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Headout Saver: 3-Day Skip-the-Line Tickets to Top Istanbul Attractions
- Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets + Busforus 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Istanbul
What to see at the Basilica Cistern?
Stone columns
The ceiling of the Basilica Cistern is supported by 336 tall marble columns, each 9 meters high. Check out the interesting designs and strange patterns on these pillars, which are even older than the Basilica itself.
Medusa’s Heads
The Basilica Cistern has two Medusa heads at the base of two columns, with one positioned horizontally and the other inverted. These ancient artifacts capture attention with their unsettling aura and unclear historical background.
Weeping Pillar
To commemorate the sacrifice of 7000 slaves during the construction of the cistern, a standalone pillar had been carved. Named the ‘Weeping Pillar’, it has trees, branches, and peacocks carved on its surface. It also resembles a hen’s eye with tears and angled branches.
Water reflections
Nowadays, the Basilica Cistern only has a shallow water level, letting visitors see the old structures that used to be underwater. The calm water creates beautiful reflections of the dimly-lit structures.
Plan your visit to the Basilica Cistern
Timings
Location
Facilities
Visitor tips
Stay
Open: every day of the year
Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM
Duration of visit: 30 mins to 1 hour
Best time to visit Basilica Cistern: April to May and September to October to enjoy pleasant temperatures in Istanbul.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey.
Find on maps
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By bus: BN1, TB2
Nearest stop: Sultanahmet Square -
By train: Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) and Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze)
Nearest stop: Marmaray Square or Sultanahmet Square -
By tram: T1
Nearest stop: Sultanahmet Square -
By metro: M2
Nearest stop: Sultanahmet Square -
By car: The distance from the Istanbul Airport to the Basilica Cistern is 45.4 km.
Nearest parking: Dalbasti Parking, Ispark 540, and Kabasakal Medrese Onu
- Accessibility: There are elevators and ramps at the entrance of the Basilica Cistern to help visitors with limited mobility in navigating the space. You have to bring your own wheelchair or stroller.
- Multimedia guide: Basilica Cistern guided tours and audio guides are available to make your visit a memorable one.
- Photography: You are allowed to take pictures with a mobile phone or camera inside the Basilica Cistern. However, you are not allowed to enter inside with a tripod.
- Gift shops: Located at the hub of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern has several gift shops nearby. You will find many trinkets and souvenirs in these shops.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The floor of the cistern is quite slippery, so make sure to wear your most comfortable, closed shoes to explore the interiors.
- Wear a cardigan: Since the Cistern is a damp place, there is a significant drop in temperature underground. Carry a light cardigan on your visit there.
- Mind the stairs: You have to descend around 52 stairs to reach the colonnades in the cistern. Mind your step when descending them.
- Arrive early: Early mornings are cool and pleasant and are the best time to avoid crowds.
- Book guided tours: The most structured way to explore the long colonnades of the Basilica Cistern is to book guided tours. An expert tour guide will take you through the rich history and cultural significance of the cistern. You can also opt for an audio-guided tour and explore the cistern at your own pace.
Here is the list of some of the best hotels near Basilica Cistern:
- Budget: Sultanahmet Hotel Han , Sultanahmet Nu Hotel , The Print House Hotel
- Mid-budget: The Million Stone Hotel , Anthemis Hotel , Great Fortune Hotel
- Luxury: Lapis Inn & Spa In Historical Centre , Suadhan Hotel , The And Hotel
Beyond the Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a standing testament to the changing dynasties in Istanbul. Originally built as a Greek Orthodox Church, the Hagia Sophia is now a grand mosque.
Visit the Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was built in the mid-15th century and was the royal residence and administrative center for the Ottoman Sultans for more than four centuries.
Visit the Topkapi Palace
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque is known for its interior ceramic art, central dome, minarets, marble structures, and landscape art.
Visit the Blue Mosque
Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace boasts a fusion of European and Ottoman influences, with enormous chandeliers, well-maintained gardens, and lavish interiors.
Visit the Dolmabahce PalaceFrequently asked questions about Basilica Cistern tickets
Where can I buy Basilica Cistern tickets?
Purchase Basilica Cistern tickets online because it is less time-consuming, saves money, and secures your spot in advance. You can also chance upon great deals and discounts when booking Basilica Cistern online tickets.
What is the cost of Basilica Cistern tickets?
You can avail of Basilica Cistern skip the line tickets at €24. The Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets are around €26. These tickets also allow you to skip ahead of long lines at the cistern.
What are the different types of Basilica Cistern tours available?
There are 3 kinds of Basilica Cistern tours and tickets available for you to choose from- skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tickets. Basilica Cistern guided tours are perfect for exploring the cistern in depth while the combo tickets are perfect for visitors who want to plan a day trip in and around Sultanahmet. You can explore the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace along with the cistern.
Do my Basilica Cistern tickets include skip-the-line access?
Yes, you can avoid crowds and skip ahead of long lines with your Basilica Cistern tickets. Depending on the ticket you purchase, you can avail of an audio guide in over 8 languages with your skip-the-line tickets.
Are Basilica Cistern guided tours available?
Yes, Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets are available for purchase. You can choose between an English or Spanish-speaking tour guide. You can also enjoy priority access to the attraction with these guided tour tickets.
What is Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey, is an underground water storage system built during the 6th century. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this underground cistern provided water to the nearby Great Palace of Constantinople and other important buildings in the city. It is an engineering marvel of the yesteryears that offers visitors a glimpse into Istanbul's past.
What are some of the highlights of the Basilica Cistern?
The long colonnades, dimly-lit interiors, the Medusa Heads, and the Weeping Column are some of the most interesting highlights of the Basilica Cistern. Each of these features has legends and anecdotes surrounding them.
Where is Basilica Cistern located?
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern, is located on Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih in Turkey.
What are the timings of the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day throughout the year.
What facilities are available in the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern has ramps and elevators to accommodate visitors with limited mobility. You can also bring prams and strollers inside the cistern.
Is the Basilica Cistern wheelchair-accessible?
While the cistern offers ramps and elevators for visitors on wheelchairs, you have to be very careful inside the underground cavern. Although the water has been drained during the restoration, the inside is still quite damp and slippery.
Is photography allowed in the Basilica Cistern?
Yes, you can click pictures inside the Basilica Cistern. Try to avoid using tripods and other commercial equipment that may disturb other visitors.
Should I buy Basilica Cistern tickets in advance?
Yes, since its restoration in the 20th century, the Basilica Cistern has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. So booking tickets in advance to secure your spot is a smart choice.