{"id":121491,"date":"2023-02-10T16:16:42","date_gmt":"2023-02-10T12:16:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/?p=121491"},"modified":"2025-03-30T00:22:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T20:22:03","slug":"basilica-cistern-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/basilica-cistern-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"Basilica Cistern Istanbul, a subterranean wonder in Istanbul"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Basilica Cistern<\/a>, also known as the Sunken Palace, is a stunning underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Basilica Cistern highlights<\/a> iclude 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each, supporting the cathedral-like ceiling. Its unique atmosphere and fascinating history make it a must-see attraction in Istanbul. You can explore the dimly lit cavern, marvel at the ancient architecture, and learn about the cistern’s role in Istanbul’s water supply system. This page provides essential information for tourists, including ticket options, opening hours, and fascinating facts about the Basilica Cistern’s history and construction. <\/p>\n

Know Before You Go<\/h2>\n

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Handy information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u23f0 Suggested Duration:<\/td>\n2 hours <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2600\ufe0f Best Time to Visit:<\/td>\nMonday mornings <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83d\udc9c Must See:<\/td>\nMedusa Pillar Heads<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0fBasilica Cistern Skip the Line Ticket: <\/td>\n\u20ac28.90<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Opening Hours And Address<\/h4>\n

Open daily from 9am to 6.30pm & 7.30pm to 11.50pmAddress: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1\/3, 34110 Fatih\/\u0130stanbul, T\u00fcrkiyeGet Directions<\/a><\/p>\n

Recommended tickets to Basilica Cistern <\/h2>\n

We recommend that you buy Basilica Cistern tickets<\/a> in advance and online. This will help you plan your visit and choose your preferred time slot. There are many ticket options, such as skip-the-line Basilica Cistern tickets<\/a>, Basilica Cistern combo tours<\/a>, and more, available on our website. <\/p>\n

Why Visit the Basilica Cistern<\/h2>\n

Unique Atmosphere<\/h3>\n

Descend into the dimly lit cavern and immerse yourself in the mysterious ambiance of this ancient underground world.<\/p>\n

Impressive Architecture<\/h3>\n

You’ll see 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, supporting the cathedral-like ceiling adorned with intricate brickwork.<\/p>\n

Medusa Heads<\/h3>\n

Discover the enigmatic Medusa heads<\/a>, located at the base of two columns, shrouded in legends and superstitions.<\/p>\n

Historical Significance<\/h3>\n

The subterranean structure of the Cistern was built in 532. Learn about the cistern’s crucial role in Istanbul’s ancient water supply system and its fascinating history spanning centuries.<\/p>\n

Photo Opportunities<\/h3>\n

Capture stunning photographs in this otherworldly setting, with the play of light and shadow creating an enchanting atmosphere.<\/p>\n

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Basilica Cistern’s History<\/h3>\n

The construction of the Basilica Cistern was commissioned by Emperor Justinian, and it was built in 532. The primary aim of the cistern was to service the water needs of the Great Palace and its surrounding buildings. The cistern fell to neglect when Constantinople was invaded by the Ottomans. In 1545, Frenchman Petrus Gyllius rediscovered the cistern when locals told him that they could get water by lowering the buckets into a dark space below their basement floors. In 1985, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality took over the Basilica Cistern, cleaned and renovated it, and then opened it to the public in 1987. <\/p>\n

The Architecture of Basilica Cistern <\/h3>\n

The subterranean structure of the Basilica Cistern is 140 meters long, and 70 meters wide and covers an area of 9,800 square meters. With a floor plastered with a thick layer of brick dust mortar to make it water-resistant, the Cistern is supported by 336 pillars, each of which is 9 meters high and placed at a distance of 4.8 meters. The most famous of these pillars are the Medusa head base pillars. The Basilica Cistern is accessible through a 52-step stairway and its floor is. Each of the columns of the Cistern is different and features finely carved marble capitals. <\/p>\n

Basilica Cistern Highlights<\/h2>\n

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Medusa Head Base Pillars<\/h4>\n

Located on the north-western side of the cistern, the two medusa heads form the base for two of the pillars of the Basilica Cistern. One Medusa head base is placed sideways and the other head base is placed in an inverted position. It is believed that these bases were taken from an ancient Roman building and then used in the construction of the Basilica Cistern. <\/p>\n

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The Weeping Column<\/h4>\n

Of the many pillars that forms the cistern, there is one column that is always wet. With tear-like carvings on it, it is said that this pillar was built to honour the workers who were killed while the construction of the Basilica Cistern was underway.<\/p>\n

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The 300+ Marble Columns<\/h4>\n

The cavern is held up by 336 columns, towering at 9 metres. What’s special about them is their style, ranging from the simplicity of Doric columns, to the intricate Corinthian. Some of these columns are believed to have once been a part of the Forum of Theodosius. <\/p>\n

Best Time to Visit Basilica Cistern<\/h2>\n

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The best time to visit Basilica Cistern<\/a> is during the off-season, March to May and\/or September to November. Istanbul has a pleasant temperature in both the autumn and the spring season, so you wouldn\u2019t have to worry about unpleasant weather during the off-season. However, the opening hours of the Basilica Cistern vary with the season, so we recommend that you check out their opening hours and plan your visit accordingly. <\/p>\n

Basilica Cistern Opening Hours<\/h2>\n

Basilica Cistern is open daily from 9am to 11.50pm. On special days such as the New Year and other religious holidays, the Basilica Cistern opens at 1 pm. We recommend that before booking your tickets for visiting the Basilica Cistern online and in advance, you check out the opening hours of the attraction to have a smooth and hassle-free visit.<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h2>\n