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Basilica Cistern

Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410, Turkey
+90 212 512 1570
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USD 38.75*
and up
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The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city that provided a water filtration system for the buildings nearby. This underground chamber measures approximately 138 meters (453 ft) by 64.6 meters (212 ft) and is capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cu ft) of water. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns.
  • Excellent67%
  • Very good25%
  • Average6%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“medusa heads” (1,174 reviews)
“fish swimming” (201 reviews)
Closed Now
All hours
Hours Today: 09:00 - 17:30
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
LOCATION
Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410, Turkey
Sultanahmet
CONTACT
Website
+90 212 512 1570
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Reviews (24,861)
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1 - 10 of 12,915 reviews

Reviewed yesterday

A great place to visit during the summer to get respite from the summer heat. The line is usually not too long, but it is worth the wait. Take your time strolling through the old columns of the cistern, and make sure to head all...More

Thank ChuckTravels17
Reviewed 2 days ago

This place was amazing.If you are in Istanbul please put it on the list of places to see.Well worth the visit.

Thank Carolnelson
Reviewed 2 days ago

After exploring the mosques, museums, and shops, the Basilica Cistern can serve as a break in the routine in Istanbul. Easy to find since it's right in the tourist section, the admission price seems a bit high for the scenery but it is historic (over...More

Thank moviegeekjn
Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

Words cannot describe this place. Suffice it to say that it has been used for James Bond movies and the one of the Davinci code movies with Tom Hanks. It is a place of mystery and it took our breath away. Then, there is Hagia...More

Thank Omer B
Reviewed 3 days ago

The Basilica Cistern is worthwhile visiting. Easy to find, there could be a line-up for tickets but we visited early and were surprised at what it offered - a look into the past - from memory it was built in 532 or thereabouts. Huge pillars...More

Thank Karie2
Reviewed 3 days ago

Yes, price is a little bit high. And yes, you will be there max. 30 min. But trust me, it is worth it. I never saw something that is so old, fantastic, romantic and a little bit scary. For me, without thinking, that was one...More

Thank bojanfrajlic
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Not much inside of it.. Big fish, slippery floor, cold dark sorrounding and medusa head. 20 lira Entrance.

Thank anajuana1213
Reviewed 4 days ago

We chose to go on a rainy day and found this very interesting. The size and scale was amazing as was the amount of columns. The floor can be wet so chose non-slip sole on footwear.

Thank ImpulsivePerth
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

The cistern is awe inspiring. A marvellous architectural remnant of ancient Byzantium. My girlfriend and I were truly excited to visit, highlighting it prior to arrival as one of the must see attractions. However, our experience was disappointing. The entrance way can easily be confused...More

1  Thank Idris K
Reviewed 4 days ago

Although the greatness of this estabilishment makes you feel so small, the kindness of the people around is unmatched by any other place we've seen. Look at the base of the column and you'll see the reversed human head, very interesting also the wet columns...More

Thank ElCobre
Nearby
Sultanahmet
With so many unmissable attractions within a mere
stroll of each other – and all set around the site of
an ancient Byzantine hippodrome – Sultanahmet is an
overwhelmingly popular tourist destination, and a
prime location for visitors to be wowed on a truly
epic scale. Beyond the wonders of the Blue Mosque, the
Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more, this
relatively small area of Istanbul somehow manages to
...More
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Ask a question
Questions & Answers
Imra-atu Y
5 June 2017|
Answer Show all 2 answers
Response from bas t | Reviewed this property |
same as the previous answer about 20 turkish lire
1
Vote
farkhi
15 April 2017|
Answer Show all 8 answers
Response from ahjahanshir | Reviewed this property |
No. you cannot. Museum pass is basically for the museums, and basilica cistern is not a museum.
1
Vote
actitravel
29 January 2017|
Answer Show all 4 answers
Response from orkenvandrer | Reviewed this property |
It was cash only (Lira only) when we visited in October 2016, both for the entrance fee and at the little cafe downstairs. The photobooth and the souvenir-shop accepted credit-card, both. Enjoy your visit!
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