The Basilica Cistern is the largest among the numerous underground cisterns in Istanbul. The Underground Palace, or the Yerebatan Saray as the Ottomans called it, is an amazing sight to behold.
Mobile ticketing: No need for printed voucher, we're digital!
Duration: 30 Minutes Check Time table to see starting times
Instant confirmation: No reservation is required.
Guide: English
Highlights
Feel the past with the amazing architecture! In the construction of the cistern, more than 7000 slaves worked!
Learn more about The Basilica Cistern which is the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul.
Be amazed by its history! With its charming historical and architectural structure, the Basilica Cistern is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Includes
Entrance to Basilica Cistern
Guide
Covid-19 precautions
Safety: All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Social: Distancing is maintained in museums
Mask: Wearing mask is mandatory during museum visit
Limited Visitors: To reduce crowds, the number of visitors is limited
The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Visit the Underground Palace (Yerebatan Saray), as it was known by the Ottomans, and experience the wonder of the vast cistern for yourself. You'll either feel transported back in time or onto the set of the blockbuster film
The Basilica Cistern is currently under restoration and the visitation is closed.
The approximate duration is 30
Please meet your guide at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour start time.
The meeting point for the Basilica Cistern guided tour is the main bus stop for the Big Bus Tour Company at Sultanahmet Square. Look out for the dark red double-decker buses. It's about 20 metres (65 ft) in front of the Hagia Sophia Museum.
To get to Sultanahmet Square, take the T1 Bağılar - Kabataş tram and get off at Sultanahmet station. Walk towards Hagia Sophia and keep an eye out for the Big Bus stop.
Due to the many marble columns rising from the water, it is called the Basilica Palace among the people.
No, this attraction cannot be accessed directly by presenting the digital Pass at the museum. You need to enter with the tour guide.
You can find meeting location at 'Hours & Meeting' section, our guides carry a white flag with the logo of Istanbul Go Pass®
You can find tour hours at 'Hours & Meeting' section. Please meet your guide at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour start time.
Museum is open all day throughout the week. Exceptionally, only in the first day of the religious holidays, you can visit Basilica Cistern from 13:00 until 18.00.
Cisterns were widely used in the Ottoman Empire as water filtration systems. Basilica Cistern was one of the oldest Cisterns in the city.
Basilica Cistern was closed due to the covid restrictions in the country. After that, the cistern went under restoration.
The Mesmerizing Basilica Cistern Was Built by the Emperor Justinian in A.C 532. So Now, It is More than 1400 Years Old!
