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Visit Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir with a mysterious ambiance. Skip the ticket line to explore Medusa heads, marble columns, and serene waters with a digital audio guide.

Highlights

• Uncover the mysteries lying beneath Istanbul as you visit the Basilica Cistern
• Learn the stories behind its construction and history with a digital audio guide
• Experience serene concerts amidst this majestic underground water reservoir
• Explore the eerie beauty of ancient, submerged columns crafted from marble
• Marvel at the mysterious and beautifully carved upside-down Medusa heads

Description

Discover the hidden gem of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering, with a skip-the-line entry ticket and digital audio guide. Learn how this underground marvel was designed to sustain Constantinople's water needs, showcasing ancient ingenuity. Wander through its vast, shadowy expanse, lit by soft lights that dance off the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Take a captivating journey into the depths of history with detailed narratives and historical context from your digital guide. Marvel at the 336 marble columns rising from the depths, each telling a story of civilizations past. Among these, admire the enigmatic Medusa heads whose origins are shrouded in mystery and myth. As you step into a world where history, architecture, and legend, soak in the tranquility of this underground wonder, away from the city's hustle. Let the cool, echoing chambers enthrall you, as you explore one of Istanbul's most unforgettable sights. At night, enjoy musical delights with surprise concerts on select evenings from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Amidst ancient wonders, you might stumble upon a concert, blending the allure of history with the beauty of art in a mesmerizing experience.

Includes

Basilica Cistern entry ticket Skip-the-ticket-line Complimentary digital audio guide app

Important Information

• This is not a guided tour. You will receive an email including your tickets with QR codes and the audio guide link from your activity provider. The digital audio guide will be provided through a separate app, and the link will also be visible in your voucher. Basilica is closed to visitors from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM for event preparations, requiring an extra entry ticket Kids under 5 may enter the basilica for free with a valid ID, but must have an adult accompanying them For safety reasons, kids under 15 are not allowed to enter without their parents The humidity inside the cistern is 96%, causing water to drip from the ceiling and potentially damage electronic devices Visitors sensitive to high humidity or low light levels should be cautious of potential health issues Leaning or sitting on the railings is dangerous and prohibited Entering the water in the cistern, touching or taking the wish coins inside, is prohibited

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund