About Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern is a unique and fascinating site to visit. It provides a window into the hidden world beneath Istanbul and is a monument to the Byzantines' brilliance in engineering and architecture. It is the biggest surviving cistern in the world.
Discover everything about Basilica Cistern on this page!
HISTORY / ARCHITECTURE
About Basilica Cistern
Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century (532) constructed the Basilica Cistern to supply water to the Great Palace, the imperial residence, and other locations in the region. Before the current cistern was constructed, there was another cistern built there by Constantine I.
However, this cistern was severely damaged while a fire broke out in the region. Justinian I reconstructed and enlarged the ruined cistern and constructed the current cistern.
The water for the cistern was transported through the Bozdoan Arch and other aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest. There is also a water purification system inside each dome on the ceiling, designed with the special technology of the era.
Interior
The cistern, measuring 140 x 70 and covering 9800 square metres, is comprised of 336 columns, with 12 colonnades of 28 in each row. The cistern was once known as "Yerebatan Sarayı" (Sunken Palace) because of its grandiose interior, which was large and adorned with numerous columns and could hold enough water for a population of 100,000 people for a year.
During the Ottoman Period
The cistern was sealed and left abandoned for centuries. On top of it, people constructed houses. Later, the Ottomans only used the cistern for watering the garden of Topkapi Palace, as the water was stagnant (streaming water was allowed in Islam). During the rule of Ahmet III and Abdülhamit II, the Basilica Cistern was renovated. Homes constructed on top of the cistern were removed in the 1940s, and a 3-year refreshing and restoration project began in 1955.
Brief History of Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
- The cistern is also known as the "Sunken Palace".
- The columns in the cistern are thought to have been taken from ancient Roman buildings.
- The Basilica cistern was also used as a reservoir for firefighting.
- The cistern was kept in good condition for centuries, but it fell into disrepair after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
- In the 19th century, the Basilica Cistern was rediscovered and restored.
- Since 1987, it has been a very popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.
Quick Facts About Basilica Cistern
- Original Name: Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Sunken Palace)
- Built: From 532
- Mission: Water purification and water supply for the Great Palace of Constantinople
- Architectural Style: Byzantine Architecture
- Size: Approximately 10,000 m2; length 140 metres, width 70 metres
- Visitors: Over 1.5 Million visitors every year
- Address: Sultanahmet Square Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
Must Know About Basilica Cistern
Here you can find frequently asked questions about the Basilica Cistern and everything you need to know before visiting.
Where is the Basilica located?
The Basilica Cistern is located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul
Walking Distances from Major Landmarks:
- 5 minutes from Hagia Sophia
- 5 minutes from the Blue Mosque
- 10 minutes from Topkapı Palace
- 15 minutes from Eminönü
- 16 minutes from Spice Bazaar
- 20 minutes from the Grand Bazaar
How Much are the Ticket Prices?
Regular Entry (09:00 – 18:30)*
- Turkish Citizens: 330 TL**
- Foreign Visitors: 1,430 TL***
- Audio Guide: 200 TL
Note: This price does not include skip-the-line access or a guided tour.
Night Shift Entry (19:30 – 22:00)
- Turkish Citizens: 500 TL
- Foreign Visitors: 2,000 TL
- Audio Guide: 200 TL
Night-Shift Tickets are only available on-site at the Basilica Cistern box office.
How Long Does a Visit Take?
Visitors typically spend 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, depending on individual interest and crowd levels. This duration applies to both regular and Night Shift visits.
However, if you want to take your time absorbing the atmospheric lighting and historical details, you may prefer a slightly longer visit.
When is The Best Time to Visit?
To avoid peak crowds, consider visiting:
- Early Morning: Shortly after opening at 09:00
- Late Afternoon: Before regular closing at 18:30
- Night Shift: For a quieter, more atmospheric experience between 19:30 and 22:00
Note: Weekdays and the off-season (October to April) generally see fewer visitors.
* Note: There is a closure period from 18:30 to 19:30 to prepare for the Night Shift sessions.
** Local visitors over 65 years of age are free of charge.
*** Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
Plan Your Visit to the Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern Location
Basilica Cistern is located in Sultanahmet Square, in front of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, next to Topkapı Palace.
You can walk from the Grand Bazaar in 20 minutes.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
How to Get to the Basilica
- Walk: Located in Sultanahmet Square, you can walk from the Grand Bazaar in 25 minutes.
- Marmaray: Sirkeci Station, just a 15-minute walk away
- Tram: Sultanahmet and Gülhane
station.
- Bus: 18-minute walk away
- Taxi: transportation to cistern is not recommended due to the difficulty
Basilica Cistern Hours
The Basilica Cistern operates daily with the following schedule:
- Regular Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 18:30
- Night Shift: 19:30 – 22:00
- Duration of Visit: 30 mins to 1 hour
Avoid visiting on weekends and holidays, which are the most crowded times. If possible, visit during the week.
>> Read more: Opening Hours, Night Shift & Best Time to Visit
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Frequently Asked Questions About Basilica Cistern
Yes, you are allowed to take photographs inside the Basilica Cistern, with the exception of the staircase area and with tripods and other professional photographic equipment, which may cause disturbance to other visitors.
The Basilica Cistern has two entrances: one near the Hagia Sophia and one near the southwest corner of the space, near the Cistern of Serefiye.
Wheelchairs are accessible at the Basilica Cistern, although getting there is difficult because there is only one lift. If there are two wheelchairs arriving at the same time, the process can take up to 30 minutes.
There is no dress code while visiting the Basilica Cistern, although the cistern lies below ground, where it is chilly, wet, and humid. When visiting the cistern, it is advised to bring a light sweater. The steel pathway can be challenging, so wear your most comfortable, closed shoes when exploring this unique place.