Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern showing religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern which includes interior views, religious aspects and art
Basilica Cistern showing interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Basilica Cistern featuring a statue or sculpture


'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.

Tours & day trips

See all 1127 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 373 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 202 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 106 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 63 activities

Reviews of Basilica Cistern

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
176
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
136
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
30
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Worth seeing

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

Go early or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Worth a look!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Don't miss this hidden gem.

Popular places to visit


Top Basilica Cistern Hotel Deals

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
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
4 out of 5
Ahirkapi Sok. No: 24, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Kabasakal Cad. No:5 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Sultanahmet mah. Torun Sokak, No:19, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
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
AJWA Sultanahmet
AJWA Sultanahmet
5 out of 5
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
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.