Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern is one of the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul (Constantinople), Turkey. Cisterna Basilica was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 537.
The Cistern in Istanbul(Yerebatan Sarnici), was built by 7,000 workers with the order of Justinian I after the Nika revolt in 532 A.D. and built on a basilica which was destroyed during a fire in 475 A.D. It is one of the most visited cisterns today and hosts many national and international events when it is closed in the evenings.
As Manolya Travel Agency, we highly recommend you to choose Istanbul Private Tour Guide or Istanbul Old City Tour to visit Basilica Cistern Istanbul.
Underground Cistern in Istanbul
Underground Cistern in Istanbul was constructed by using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature fine carved capitals. Underground Water Cistern was the major water reservoir of Constantinople. The water was transported from the Belgrade Forest by the immense Byzantine Aqueducts.
Yerebatan Cistern
Yerebatan Cistern shows the advanced engineering skills of the Byzantine civilization and is one of the most magnificent historical monuments in Istanbul. The walls are made from brick and 4.80 meters deep. The floor is covered with a special mix of plaster (Horasan Harci) that makes it waterproof.
The cistern basilica can hold up to 100.000 tons of water. Basilica Cistern was turned into a museum and opened to visitors by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality after restoration in 1985 and again in 1994.
The cistern basilica, which is a museum today, acts as a stage for national and international performances as well. Therefore, it is always busy with visitors and we advise you to choose Istanbul Private Tour Guide or Istanbul Old City Tour to avoid the long queue.
How much does it cost to go to the Basilica Cistern?
Basilica Cistern entrance fee is 300 Turkish Lira per person and need to pay Turkish Lira. They accept credit card but no euro or dollars. Children under the age of 7 is free of charge. But you need to show copy of ID or Passport. The museum pass is not valid for this museum.
It is pretty busy during the season and need to wait in the line of museum for long time during summer season. If you join one of our fast track tours Fast Track Basilica Cistern Tour or Istanbul Private Tour Guide, you can skip the line of Basilica Cistern and get information about the museum as well. You will miss a lot without guide and information.
How long does it take to see Basilica Cistern?
Basilica Cistern Istanbul is one of the most famous places to visit in Istanbul. That is why it is really busy during the year. It may take long hours to wait and visit the Yerebatan Sarnici. But if you join one of our Fast Track Basilica Cistern Tours or Istanbul Old City Tour, you will jump the line of Basilica Cistern and get information about it as well.
If you don’t take guide, you really miss a lot information about the Basilica Cistern. It must be on your visiting list during your visits to Istanbul.
Additionally, we have Turkish Night Show Cruise, Private Yacht Tour in İstanbul, Sunset Cruise Istanbul, Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul and Bosphorus Tour by Boat.
Thus, if you want to make your Istanbul visit noteworthy and momentous, we suggest you to choose one of our tours as well.
