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Explore the Basilica Cistern, skip the ticket line, and discover its historic columns and Medusa heads. Choose between an audio guide in 25 languages or a live guided tour for deeper insight.

Highlights

• Explore the Basilica Cistern with entry ticket and audio guide in 25 languages.
• Learn the story behind the mysterious Medusa Heads in the cistern
• Discover ancient marble columns submerged in a haunting setting
• See stunning views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus from the cistern
• Join a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern with a professional local guide

Description

Visit the Basilica Cistern, originally built in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD, a vast underground reservoir from the Byzantine era. Discover the atmospheric chamber, its forest of marble columns, and the famous Medusa heads inspired by Greek mythology. An audio guide is available in 25 different languages for deeper insight during your visit. Explore this cathedral-size cistern, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D. to supply water to the Great Palace. It stores up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, delivered via 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea. Descend the fifty-two stone steps into the entrance of the cistern. The cistern is surrounded by a firebrick wall with a thickness of 4 meters, coated with a waterproofing mortar. Hear how the Basilica Cistern's water comes from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Center in the Belgrade Forest and travels through the 971-meter-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct, built by the Emperor Justinian. You can visit the Basilica Cistern any day between 09:00 and 18:00. The cistern can be visited with a standard entry ticket, but those who prefer a guided experience should meet the guide at the scheduled tour time. The Basilica Cistern guided tour is available every day except Friday at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:45 PM. Participants should meet their guide at Dsign Cafe at least 15 minutes before the tour begins, and the guide can be easily recognized by a purple and fuchsia umbrella.

Includes

Skip-the-ticket-line entry ticket for the Basilica Cistern Audio guide in 25 different languages (if option selected) Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (if option selected)

Important Information

• You will receive your entry ticket QR codes and audio guide link in a separate email from Istanbul Tourist Pass®.
• Security checks are mandatory and not skipped with your ticket. Waiting times may be longer during peak hours.
• Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The cistern has very high humidity (up to 96%), and water may drip from the ceiling. Protect electronic devices.
• If you are sensitive to humidity, darkness, or low air circulation, take precautions before visiting.
• The guide will be holding a purple and fuchsia umbrella at the meeting point, if the Guided tours are booked.
• Touching or entering the water is forbidden. Do not remove or interact with wish coins.
• Download the audio guide in advance from the link in your confirmation email (“Show My E-Ticket” with QR code). Internet is required for the first download as the cistern has no Wi-Fi.
• Accept browser cookies to ensure the audio guide works. Once downloaded, it can be used offline.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund