Explore the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns located below the city at Basilica Cistern. This fascinating chamber of the underground water systems, commissioned in 532 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is remarkable for its practical and artistic value. After a complete renovation in the 1980s, the cistern became one of the most popular tourist sites in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district. Walk along the wooden platforms beneath the dark, vaulted ceilings of this cathedral-sized cistern and see its famous Medusa-head pillar and Hen's Eye column. Our Istanbul tour planner makes visiting Basilica Cistern and other Istanbul attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
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24,720 reviews
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ahmad_pdr
it was very smaller that i thought, but i had good memory there, where ive got some picture with turkish old cloth set, and it was so nice, it has value to go for 1 time more »
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A TripAdvisor Member
We checked it out and glad we did. Incredible to know about something so majestic built underneath. So much history to learn . Make sure u visit this attraction especially if u feel hot outside . more »
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Tanbir C
I liked the madusa head and the ominous feel to the place. If you have good camera you can pick up amazing details of the inside. more »
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Karl Jones
The cistern is dark, which gives it such a great atmosphere, along with the well placed lighting. It was amazing. Some of the unique columns in the cistern are definitely reason to visit, with the weeping columns and the Medusa columns. Right at the end, there is a pool full of fish, pretty interesting, also kind of spooky. This is a very quick place to visit but I would recommend visiting it.
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Robert Cooke
Built in Justinian time and rediscovered only around 30 years these are located close to the park. It's a 20 lira entrance fee and audio guide is another 10 if you want it. It was ok. It's a big complex and the size is impressive but there is nothing super special about it. I was there for about 30 minutes and felt like enough time.
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Eddie Rehe
Stunning! Not much here that can disappoint you. The lighting is beautiful, the music they play throughout is fantastic, there is a photo setup where you pay to get into Byzantine costumes and have a photo taken on set.. Walk slow, admire the craftsmanship, take it all in.
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Stephen McKenry
What a great piece to experience some ancient history! The restoration efforts are pretty great and there is a fair amount of information for self guiding through the Cisterns. Go early to avoid crowding!! CASH ONLY.
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Denis Pisarev
The massiveness of the place is covered behind restoration walls, illuminations could be much better, the furthest corner is used to grow fishes for the nearby restaurant. Nevertheless it's absolutely worth visiting!
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