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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:
- Skip the waiting lines at the Basilica Cistern between 09:00 and 17:30
- Your ticket might be fully flexible if you choose so all day long
The Highlights of the Basilica Cistern Visit:
What to see in the Basilica Cistern & What is included?
- Entrance without waiting in the ticket lines
- Medusa Heads & The Weeping Column
- Ancient Roman Engineering
- 7/24 Live Assistance
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.
What is Basilica Cistern?
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.
Visiting Info for the Basilica Cistern 2024
The Basilica Cistern has first ropened its gates after 2 years of most extensive restorations of its long history. Finally, after a maintenance break, at 1st of August 2024, the Basilica Cistern is completely reopened.
As a novelty coming with 2024 re-opening, there are contemporary art installations between the numerous columns of the Basilica Cistern and the theme is sustainability. So you can have a glance on pieces of contemporary art in modern Istanbul. 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.
The Recent Price Raise at the Basilica Cistern: Starting from 1st of September 2024, the basic ticket price at the gates is set to 900 Turkish Lira. Average waiting time could usually take from 30 to 50 minutes.
Visiting Times for the Basilica Cistern:
For the November 2024, according to Winter of 2025 Regulations, the closing time is set to be 18:00. Since 1st of June 2023, the Basilica Cistern is opening its gate at 09:00.
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.
