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Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

4.4
#3 of 5,733 in Things to do in Turkey
Must see · Architectural Building · Ruin
Explore the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns located below the city at Basilica Cistern. This fascinating chamber of the underground water systems, commissioned in 532 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is remarkable for its practical and artistic value. After a complete renovation in the 1980s, the cistern became one of the most popular tourist sites in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district. Walk along the wooden platforms beneath the dark, vaulted ceilings of this cathedral-sized cistern and see its famous Medusa-head pillar and Hen's Eye column. Put Basilica Cistern at the forefront of your travel plans using our Istanbul holiday planning website.
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Tours to Basilica Cistern

FROM $95 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Tour: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $95 »
FROM $162 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airport & Hotels
5.0
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Tours from $162 »
FROM $130 BOOK WITH VIATOR Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour
4.7
Duration: 7 hours
Tours from $130 »

Basilica Cistern reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
31,231 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By YuriDm
    Stunning. Just stunning when you realise the masses of water that were held here for the city, when the Cistern was active.  more »
  • By WhiskEClear
    By Dec 22, 2020, the Basilica Cistern is closed. I don’t recall how long it will be closed. There is a private cistern near Divanyolu Caddesi and Işık Sokak, which is not far from the Basilica...  more »
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Google
  • By Saja gharib
    This is one of my BEST experiences in Istanbul. If i can give it a 10 star i would. The whole atmosphere and interior of the whole space is just beyond your imagination. I would definitely recommend to buy the pictures as they dress you up in the authentic Turkish costumes. I still have it as an amazing souvenir. I loved every minute of this.
  • By Mason Cook
    Cool place! I enjoyed wandering through the columns with the eerie soundtrack they played. The lighting was effective and really added to the experience. It is excellent value for money, but watch your step, it's very slippery down there. The wishing pool is a place to those a coin in and make a wish, only there was no pool, the water was very low. I know this is completely out of their control and my rating does not include this. I just thought it was funny watching people throwing money onto concrete and hoping something magical will happen. Definitely good you're in the area.
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