Basilica Cistern in Istanbul: photos, reviews

About

The Basilica Cistern, located in Istanbul, is a captivating historical marvel blending Byzantine and Ancient Greek architectural styles. Visitors are enchanted by its eerie, mystical ambiance, enhanced by dim lighting and the haunting sound of dripping water echoing through the underground Roman water cistern. The forest of columns creates an otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for exploration in 1-2 hours. Modern lighting, sculptures, and walkways amplify the experience, making it a top-rated attraction with a 4.6 average rating on Google. Ideal for children and adults alike, it's advisable to book in advance to bypass long lines and higher ticket prices.

Recommended visit time

1-2 hours

Features

Suitable for children

How to get here?

The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

Gülhane

Tram stop 418 m walk

Sultanahmet

Bus stop 76 m walk

Çemberlıtaş

Tram stop 567 m walk

Cankurtaran

Tram stop 525 m walk

4.6

based on 85,234 reviews

Google

4.6/5 84,131 review

Facebook

4/5 1,103 reviews

Tausif

Basilica Cistern is one of the most fascinating historical places I’ve come across in Istanbul. Out of the many cisterns in the city, this one stands out as the largest that’s open to the public. It’s located right in the heart of the old city, close to other iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Built in 542 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the cistern was originally used to supply water to the Great Palace and other important buildings. The scale of the structure is truly impressive—about 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, covering nearly 9,800 square meters. Inside, there are 336 marble columns, each about 9 meters tall and spaced 4.8 meters apart. What caught my attention was that each column is different, showing the variety and richness of the architectural style used. But the most striking feature is the two Medusa heads at the base of two pillars in the northwestern part of the cistern. These heads are believed to have come from a Roman-era structure and add a mysterious charm to the place. The cistern could once hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, which was filtered and supplied to major areas of the city. It was restored and opened to tourists in 1987 by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Often called the “Subterranean Palace,” the entire space, with its marble pillars and dim lighting, creates a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere.

Verónica Polo

Entre columnas infinitas y reflejos en el agua, sentí una calma que no esperaba encontrar tan abajo, tan dentro. Un templo sumergido.Una pausa en medio del caos de Estambul. Fue construida en el año 532 bajo el emperador Justiniano I, para almacenar agua que abastecía al Gran Palacio de Constantinopla. Tiene más de 330 columnas (muchas recicladas de templos antiguos) y un ambiente casi místico. Lo más famoso: las cabezas de Medusa en la base de dos columnas, que nadie sabe exactamente por qué están allí. Estuvo “perdida” durante siglos, hasta que un viajero descubrió que los locales sacaban agua del suelo con cubos… ¡desde su propia casa!

Miguel Navarro

Recomendable con un pero, demasiado caro el precio de la entrada. Es para pensarlo

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

About

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