Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern featuring religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views
'The Sunken Palace' is the biggest of the hundreds of underground reservoirs underneath the streets of Istanbul, dating from Byzantine Constantinople.

If you'd like a change from the bazaars, palaces and mosques of the typical Istanbul visit, then the Basilica Cistern offers something very different. Known as the Yerebatan Sarayi in Turkish, it is the most celebrated of the many reservoirs built in Byzantine times, and the most impressive. It's also an excellent place to cool down during a hot summer's day.Dating from the 6th century and the rule of Emperor Justinian, it was built to provide water for the Great Palace. Over time, it was forgotten and became a dumping ground for local people, until found once again in the 16th century, when it was restored to its former majesty and used to provide water for the Topkapi Palace.Follow the raised walkways – installed in the 1990s – around 'The Sunken Palace' to best appreciate this enormous structure. The experience is further heightened by the atmospheric lighting and music, perfectly setting the ambience of this subterranean wonder. Keep a sharp lookout for the ancient Medusa heads, which can be found at the back, on the north-western side.As a feat of engineering, it is hugely impressive. Containing 336 marble columns, and covering almost 1 hectare, the Basilica Cistern held over 80 million litres of water during its heyday, which were sent far and wide through 19 kilometres of aqueducts. When we consider that this was designed and constructed around 1,500 years ago, without the benefits of modern techniques or of the technology we possess today, the scale of this achievement becomes even more astounding.A visit takes less than one hour, and there is a cafe selling snacks, soft drinks and wonderful Turkish-style tea at the site. The Basilica Cistern is open every day, and there is an entrance fee for foreigners. You can reach it from the nearby Atram stop.

Reviews of Basilica Cistern

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
176
" "5 - Excellent 49.858356940509914%
4 - Good
136
" "4 - Good 38.52691218130312%
3 - Okay
30
" "3 - Okay 8.498583569405099%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.6997167138810199%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 1.4164305949008498%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Dec 2019

again, massively under repair. the Cistern of Philoxenos just round the corner was very good (and free) and no tourists as not really know

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Nov 2019

Worth seeing

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019

Under renovation and currently drained (no water or fish as seen on our previous visit). However, the price charged is the same. You can still walk around the entire site and still see the heads of Medusa but it lacks the magic and eeriness compared to when it's full of water.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Oct 2019

Go early or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Oct 2019

Worth a look!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Sep 2019

Don't miss this hidden gem.

Popular places to visit


Top Basilica Cistern Hotel Deals

Hotel Kupeli
Hotel Kupeli
Eminsinan Mah.Gedikpasa Hamam Cad. No:4, Cemberlitas - Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Hotel Kupeli
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
5 out of 5
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
5 out of 5
Akbiyik Cad No 46, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Hotel Sari Konak
Hotel Sari Konak
Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad No: 26, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Hotel Sari Konak
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi Mustafa, Pasa Sokak No: 43 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
4 out of 5
Ordu Caddesi Dibekli Cami Sokak No: 13, Beyazit, Istanbul, Istanbul
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
Hotel Saba Sultan
Hotel Saba Sultan
3.5 out of 5
Akbiyik Cad, Cetinkaya Sokak No: 4, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Saba Sultan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.