MAT
Mehmet Aslan
Verified
Experience
14 yrs
Rides
8,420
Vehicle
Mercedes Vito 2023
Plate
34 TIA 142
TRENDE
Regions
Havalimanı (IST) · Sultanahmet · Taksim +1
//Basilica Cistern
Historic Peninsula · Sultanahmet
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern
Underground water cistern from the Byzantine era. 336 columns, Medusa heads, an eerie atmosphere with light and music.
Hours
Daily 09:00–22:00
Entry
Foreign: €30
Region
Sultanahmet
Address
Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3
Taxi routes
Basilica Cistern'a how to get there?
Estimated fixed-price fares from common starting points.
Attraction guide
Basilica Cistern about what you should know.
The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul's largest underground water reservoir, was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. It spans 9,800 m² and is supported by 336 marble columns.
Its most famous detail is the pair of upside-down Medusa heads in the northwest corner. Their origin is uncertain — likely spolia repurposed from earlier antique structures.
After its recent renovation the cistern is now a full light-and-sound experience. It is within 100 metres of Hagia Sophia — easy to combine in one visit.
Sultanahmet drivers
Names working in this region.
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