A Must-See in Istanbul: Join us in the journey into the Basilica Cistern, the mysterious piece of underground Istanbul and walk through this ancient marvel and learn about all the interesting details about the area.
Multiple Time Options and Complete Flexibility:
About the Guiding Service: After using the priority entrance into the Basilica Cistern, a professional and licensed guide will briefly tell about the history while explaining the design and engineering of the building. Once you learn about where every important details are, you will be free to enjoy the Basilica Cistern as much as you want.
The legendary and mysterious Basilica Cistern is an ancient wonder underground Istanbul. It is once in a life-time experience. Every visitor of Istanbul should walk through this unique marvel of antiquity and learn about all the interesting details about the structure while being amazed by its atmosphere.
Without seeing Basilica Cistern, the story of Istanbul is without complete.
The Basilica Cistern is basically a significant part of the infrastructure of ancient Istanbul. It is one of the water reservoirs of the ancient Istanbul as Constantinopolis the imperial capital of Eastern Roman Empire. In other words, along with a serious foundational buildings like its neighbour, Hagia Sophia. So was made the "Nea Roma", the New Rome, as the center of the Roman Empire at the time of Constantine the Great.
The Basilica Cistern has finally ropened its gates after 2 years of most extensive restorations of its long history.
As a novelty coming with 2023 re-opening, there are contemporary art installations between the numerous columns of the Basilica Cistern. Among the pieces, there are glass and bronze works and viual installations concentrated around the famous Medusa heads at the far end the Basilica Cistern from its entrance stairs.
As of 1st of January 2024, the ticket price from the ticket windows is 650 TL. The waiting lines could usually take from 30 to 50 minutes.
According to the 2023 Summer Regulations, the closing time is set to be 19:00 everyday starting from the 1st of June 2023. The Basilica Cistern is opening its gate at 09:00.
Once you book from here, you can join the tours run by an official guide of Basilica Cistern that starts every 30 or 60 minutes. From 1st of April 2024 to 1st of November 2024, there is a guiding tour at each 30 minutes between 09:30 and 17:00.
Are there long lines at the ticket windows of Basilica Cistern?
Particularly at weekends but also most of the days between April to November (plus Christmas times), the Basilica Cistern is busy with groups and indiciduals. The waiting times could be between 30 to 60 minutes.
Is the Basilica Cistern opened after restorations?
At the 23rd of July 2022, the Basilica Cistern has been opened again after serious restorations. And the long ticket lines are back! We strongly recommend you to get your tickets before you arrive.
What is the Basilica Cistern famous for?
Basilica Cistern is globally renowned because of being one of the most intact ancient Roman structures with its unbelievable volume and durability. The mysterious atmosphere of this underground wonder amazes every single traveler coming in for centuries. Regarding individual pieces inside, the Medusa Heads in this underground building are a couple of quite interesting examples of ancient kraftsmanship.
Is taking photos allowed inside the Basilica Cistern?
Yes, Basilica Cistern is especially famous for its photogenic nature. The lights inside are rotating to give various shades and colors moving between the tones of green, blue and orange. Without any limitation, youo can stay inside after the guiding service.
Is Basilica Cistern accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Basilica Cistern has an electrical ramp for the chairs and carts, so a person with disabilities can go down and up using this way. Our official museum guides could ask the staff of the Basilica Cİstern to prepare the ramp before using the priority entrance.
Bana (Albania) - 07 Dec 2023
A very intact building from the ancient centuries and a very derailed history