Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Istanbul's most unusual tourist attraction
- Relaxing atmosphere
Time required: 60 minutes
Phone: +90 212 522 1259
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 9am - 6:30pm |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 10 TL |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Sultanahmet stop
Address: 13 Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Clint Koehler
Things you need to know:
- Basilica Cistern used to be the city's largest underground water reservoir in Byzantine times. It was built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian
- Its purpose was to ensure the city's water supply even in time of droughts and sieges. Water came here via clay pipes and aqueducts from Belgrade forest (12 km away)
- The cistern covers 9,800 m2 (11,720 sq yards), more than 2 football fields, and has a capacity of 80 million liters (18 million gallons)
- The cistern was built on the site of a former Basilica, hence its name. Turks call it: Yerebatan Sarayı meaning 'Sunken Palace'
- 336 pillars (8 m (26 ft) high each) that were reused from earlier Roman ruins, hold up the roof. This explains why the tops of the columns are so different
- The "palace" features two Medusa (terrifying female creature in Greek mythology) heads at the far end
- Before the walking platforms were built visitors had to rent boats to traverse it
What to do there:
- Walk along the designated walkways lit with glowing red lights and enjoy the ethereal atmosphere and the breathtaking atmosphere
- Listen to the nice classical music accompanying the sound of endlessly dripping water nad enjoy the relaxing atmosphere
- Make sure to walk the decks to see the Medusa Heads
