Cistern of Theodosius
Originally built to store fresh water, the underground Cistern of Theodosius is an architectural masterpiece with towering columns, intricate carvings, and dramatic lighting that enhances your visit.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info

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Skip the long wait lines and head straight into Istanbul's renowned Theodosius Cistern with an audio guide in hand.
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Marvel at the intricate architecture of the underground chambers, which house 32 well-preserved marble columns.
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Learn about the cistern's historical significance and its vital role in the city’s ancient water supply system through your audio guide.
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Enjoy an immersive experience featuring an hourly light and video mapping show that brings the cistern’s history to life.
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Did you know? The Theodosius Cistern once supplied water to the Great Palace, the Nymphaeum, and the Baths of Zeuxippus.
More details
-
Skip the long wait lines and head straight into Istanbul's renowned Theodosius Cistern with an audio guide in hand.
-
Marvel at the intricate architecture of the underground chambers, which house 32 well-preserved marble columns.
-
Learn about the cistern's historical significance and its vital role in the city’s ancient water supply system through your audio guide.
-
Enjoy an immersive experience featuring an hourly light and video mapping show that brings the cistern’s history to life.
-
Did you know? The Theodosius Cistern once supplied water to the Great Palace, the Nymphaeum, and the Baths of Zeuxippus.
-
Get the best of Istanbul in a day with skip-the-line entry to the Theodosius Cistern and access to Hagia Sophia, both with included audio guides.
-
Descend underground to explore the Theodosius Cistern’s atmospheric space, lined with marble columns that are over 1600 years old.
-
Experience an immersive light and video mapping show that brings the cistern’s ancient history and purpose to life.
-
Step inside Hagia Sophia to marvel at its soaring dome, intricate mosaics, and trace centuries of Christian and Ottoman artistry.
-
Discover the rich history of both the Theodosius Cistern and Hagia Sophia at your own pace with the included audio guide app.
-
Save time and money with this value-packed combo, granting entry to two of Istanbul's most legendary historical sites.
More details
-
Get the best of Istanbul in a day with skip-the-line entry to the Theodosius Cistern and access to Hagia Sophia, both with included audio guides.
-
Descend underground to explore the Theodosius Cistern’s atmospheric space, lined with marble columns that are over 1600 years old.
-
Experience an immersive light and video mapping show that brings the cistern’s ancient history and purpose to life.
-
Step inside Hagia Sophia to marvel at its soaring dome, intricate mosaics, and trace centuries of Christian and Ottoman artistry.
-
Discover the rich history of both the Theodosius Cistern and Hagia Sophia at your own pace with the included audio guide app.
-
Save time and money with this value-packed combo, granting entry to two of Istanbul's most legendary historical sites.
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About Cistern of Theodosius
The Cistern of Theodosius stands out in Istanbul’s museum collection as a rare underground treasure. It’s an essential stop for anyone exploring the city’s Byzantine heritage, offering an intimate, immersive journey through centuries-old architecture and innovative digital storytelling. Its central location makes it an ideal addition to any Sultanahmet itinerary.
Why visit Cistern of Theodosius?
Plan your visit
Main Entrance (Piyer Loti Caddesi)
Located at Binbirdirek Mahallesi, Piyer Loti, Fatih, Istanbul, the main entrance is directly on Piyer Loti Street, just a short walk from Sultanahmet Square. Look for the modern glass façade beneath the historic Arif Paşa Building. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, featuring an elevator from street level to the cistern’s interior and a flat wooden boardwalk throughout. Strollers are permitted, though some narrow turns may require folding.
Regular hours: Open daily from 9am to 7pm
Last entry: 6pm sharp.
Special hours/closures: The cistern is open year-round but may close early on select national holidays or for special events. Always check the official website or ticket desk for up-to-date information before your visit.
Audio guides are available for rent at the entrance or via QR code download.
A souvenir and gift shop is located in the foyer area.
Restrooms are available in the ticketing foyer (not underground).
Wi-Fi is available in the foyer and gift shop areas only.
The cistern is wheelchair accessible until the entrance of the cistern via elevator and flat wooden boardwalk. However, slippery and uneven surfaces in some places inside the cistern might make it difficult for wheelchair access.
Strollers are permitted, but may need to be folded in some narrow areas.
Elevator access connects street level to the cistern's main exhibition area.
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