Basilica Cistern Guided Tour

Istanbul E-pass includes the Basilica Cistern Tour with an Entry Ticket (Skip the ticket line) and English speaking Professional Guide. For details, please check "Hours & Meeting"

Basilica Cistern Istanbul

It is located in the heart of the historic city center. It is the giant cistern in the historical city of Istanbul. The Cistern is hosting 336 columns. The function of this outstanding construction was to enable drinking water for Hagia Sophia. The great Palace of Palatium Magnum and fountains and baths are located throughout the city.

What time does Basilica Cistern open?

The Basilica Cistern is open throughout the week.
Summer Period: 09:00 - 19:00 (Last entrance is at 18:00)
Winter Period: 09:00 - 18:00 (Last entrance is at 17:00)

How much is Basilica Cistern?

The entrance fee is 900 Turkish Liras. You can get a ticket from the counters and may wait in line for around 30 minutes. Guided tours with admission are free with Istanbul E-pass.

Where is the Basilica Cistern located?

It is located in the heart of the Old City Square of Istanbul. 100 meters away from the Hagia Sophia.

• From Old City Hotels; You can get the T1 Tram to the 'Sultanahmet' stop, which is 5 minutes walking distance.
• From Taksim Hotels; Take a F1 funicular line to Kabatas and get T1 Tram to Sultanahmet.
• From Sultanahmet Hotels; It is within walking distance from Sultanahmet Hotels.

How long does it take to visit Cistern, and What is the best time to visit?

Visiting the Cistern will take around 15 minutes if you visit by yourself. Guided tours generally take approximately 25-30 minutes. It is dark and has narrow corridors; it is better to see Cistern while not crowded. Around 09:00 to 10:00 am, quieter in the summertime.

Basilica Cistern History

Overview of the Basilica Cistern as an Underground Water Storage Solution

This cistern is an excellent example of underground water storage. Emperor Justinian I (527-565) ordered the construction in the year 532 AD. There are three main groups of cisterns in Istanbul: overground, underground, and open-air cisterns.

Historical Context: The Nika Riot and Its Impact on Istanbul

The year 532 AD is a turning point in the history of the Eastern Roman Empire. One of the biggest riots of the Empire, the Nika Riot, took place this year. One of the results of this riot was the destruction of significant buildings in the city. Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, and Palatium Magnum were amongst the buildings destructed.

Emperor Justinian's Rebuilding Efforts in the Aftermath of the Riot

Right after the riot, Emperor Justinian I gave an order for renovating or rebuilding the city. This order was directing a majority of the buildings that were having critical importance to the city.

Speculations About the Existence of Earlier Cisterns in Istanbul

There is no record of the probable existence of a cistern in the exact location. Thinking this was the center of the city, some should be, but we don't know where. The date was recorded as 532 AD, which is the same year of the Nika Revolt and the 3rd Hagia Sophia.

Construction Challenges and the Use of Slave Labor

The logistics of construction in the 6th AD were utterly different from today. The hardest part of construction would be carving 336 columns that are carrying the roof today. But the easiest solution to this matter would be using manpower or slave power. Back in the time, this was relatively easy for an Emperor to supply.

Use of Materials and the 336 Columns and Medusa Heads

After the order of the Emperor, many slaves went to remote sections of the Empire. They brought a lot of stones and columns from the temples. These columns and stones were dysfunctional, including 336 columns and 2 Medusa Heads.

Completion and the Role of the Cistern in Providing Water

It took less than a year to construct this fantastic building after handling logistics. From then on, it started its essential function of itself. It was enabling clean water for the city.

What Can You Expect to See Inside the Basilica Cistern?

Inside the Basilica Cistern, you’ll be captivated by the grandeur of its ancient architecture. This underground marvel features 336 marble columns, each standing over 9 meters tall, which were repurposed from older Roman structures. One of the highlights is the pair of Medusa Heads that serve as column bases. These heads, positioned upside down and sideways, are believed to ward off evil spirits and add a touch of mystery to the cistern’s atmosphere.

The Basilica Cistern also has dim lighting, soft reflections from the water, and a calm ambiance that invites visitors to explore at a leisurely pace. You’ll experience a sense of tranquility as you walk along the raised platforms, taking in views of the beautiful columns and water pools that lie beneath. The dim, atmospheric lighting makes this spot ideal for photography, offering unique, hauntingly beautiful photo opportunities.

Medusa Heads

Another problem of the construction was finding the columns for the building. Some of the columns were short, and some of them were long. Having long columns was not a big problem. They could cut them. But the shorter columns were a big problem. They had to find bases of the correct length for the construction. Two of the bases they found were the Medusa Heads. From the heads' style, we can think that these heads should be originating from the western side of Turkey.

Why is Medusa's Head upside down?

About this question, there are two main ideas. The first idea tells that in the 6th century AD, Christianity was the main religion. As these heads are the symbol of the previous belief, they are upside down for this reason. The second idea is more practical. Imagine you are moving a monolith stone block. Once you reach the right location for the column, you would stop. After they stopped erecting the column, they realized the head was upside down. They didn't need to correct the head because nobody is going to see that again.

Crying Column

Another column that is interesting to see is the crying column. The column is not crying but has the shape of teardrops. There are 2 locations in Istanbul where you can see these columns. One is the Basilica Cistern and the second is Beyazit near the Grand Bazaar. The story of the crying column here in the cistern is interesting. They say it symbolizes the tears of the slaves that worked there. The second idea is the column is crying for those who lost their lives in the construction.

Purpose of the Basilica Cistern

We know from the historical records today that there are more than 100 cisterns in Istanbul. The main target of the cisterns in the Roman Era was supplying clean water for the city. In Ottoman Era, this purpose changed.

Role of the Basilica Cistern In the Ottoman Era

According to religious reasons, the function of the cisterns was different over time. In Islam and Judaism, the water should not wait in storage and should always flow. If the water stays stagnant, it is a reason for people think the water is dirty in Islam and Judaism. Because of this, people abandoned many cisterns. Even some people converted the cisterns into workshops. Many of the cisterns were still having a different function during the Ottoman Era. Because of that, many of the cisterns today are still visible.

Basilica Cistern in Hollywood Movies

This was the place for several famous films, including several Hollywood productions. One of the most famous is From Russia with Love from the year 1963. Being the second James Bond film, most of the film from Russia with Love took place in Istanbul. It stars Sean Connery and Daniela Bianchi. This film is still considered to be one of the best James Bond films.

Based on the book of Dan Brown, Inferno was another film in which the Basilica Cistern took place. The cistern was the final place for placing the virus that would be a significant threat to humanity.

What Is the Entrance Fee for the Basilica Cistern?

Istanbul E-pass includes a guided tour of the site at no extra cost, which allows you to explore the cistern with insights into its history and architectural wonders.

What Should You Know Before Entering the Basilica Cistern?

Before entering the Basilica Cistern, there are a few practical details to keep in mind. The cistern is relatively cool and humid, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket, especially during summer months. The floor can also be damp, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes to ensure a safe and comfortable visit.

It’s recommended to visit during quieter hours to avoid crowds, usually early in the morning or late afternoon. Photography is allowed, but flash is discouraged to maintain the delicate atmosphere of the cistern. Also, note that it may take some time to adjust to the low lighting, so allow your eyes a moment to adapt once inside.

How Long Does a Visit to the Basilica Cistern Usually Take?

A typical visit to the Basilica Cistern takes around 25 minutes. This timeframe allows you to appreciate the unique features of the cistern, explore the Medusa Heads, and take memorable photos. Once you enter the event, you don't need to follow our guides and you can spend as much time as you want at the event.

The Final Word

The cistern has an unusual history that attracts travelers across the globe to experience it in real. Who would not want to walk on raised wooden platforms to feel water dripping from the arched ceilings giving the essence of historical architecture? If you have a passion for photography, you will love the medusa-head column bases. Wait no more to kill your summer’s heat and have a majestic experience while visiting the Basilica Cistern with Istanbul E-pass.