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All 362 Istanbul Attractions »

Basilica Cistern

Sultanahmet | Near St. Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
+90-212 522 12 59
As featured in 3 days in Istanbul and 1 other guide
Ranked #7 of 179 attractions in Istanbul
4.5 of 5 stars 1562 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Bodies of Water, Ancient Ruins
Fee: Yes
Traveller Description: The Basilica Cistern (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayı - "Sunken Palace", or Yerebatan Sarnıcı - "Sunken Cistern") is located in opposite of Sultan Ahmed... more »
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1,562 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

Unlike many stops in Istanbul, I don't recommend the audio guide. It doesn't provide an awful lot of helpful information. The cistern itself is quite a marvel. More

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Vienna
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

One of the places that are well known from many films. It is cool and dark so a welcome change to the rest of istanbul during summer. More

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See 2 more reviews by Gregor M for Istanbul
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

The underground cistern is am amazing place. Well worth the price of admission. More

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See 5 more reviews by talila6 for Istanbul
Harmondsworth, United Kingdom
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

Right under the pavement in a busy area, is a mysterious underground cistern. It is all light up with various carved columns in the water.. and even a Medusa's head at the base of 2 of the columns. There are blind fish in the water - which they have tried to move, but apparently they do not survive in the... More

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See 5 more reviews by AA747 for Istanbul
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

It is always amazing to see history. The atmosphere and the energy are are a bit eerie and that adds to the fun. The audio tour is a bit short on info but if you don't have a book, its necessary to get a few details. More

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See 4 more reviews by Kwchilily for Istanbul
Newbury, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Walk past this place in the evening and you could easily miss it as only a small kiosk is above ground. During the day time a long snaking queue lets you know it's there, but the wait in the queue is so worthwhile. As you descend the steps the air gets cooler and you are in a magnificent underground cavern,... More

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See 6 more reviews by melh13 for Istanbul
Piraeus, Greece
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Just opposite of Hagia Sofia The ticket is 10TL but it is an excellent historical monument You go underground, feel the moist, low lights, classical music More

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See 7 more reviews by CStefanou for Istanbul
Athens, Greece
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

An innovative for its era cistern which impresses modern civil engineers! More

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See 3 more reviews by el_goofy for Istanbul
Calgary
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

The cisterns could be my most favourite place to have visited in Istanbul. The engineering and the scope of it is amazing. Cool, dark, quiet. A wonderful visual and mental treat. More

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See 4 more reviews by CalgaryClaymore for Istanbul
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

A very good place to visit especially when weather hot as temp much cooler below ground. Actual visit does not take that long but there is a cafe if you wish to linger. More

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See 2 more reviews by Inglanna for Istanbul

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