Ancient Miracle: Explore the Basilica Cistern

Yerebatan Cistern, also known as Basilica Cistern in Turkish, is a huge underground cistern located in the historical district of Istanbul. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532-542 AD and is one of the largest cisterns in Istanbul, measuring 170×77 meters. The Basilica Cistern has 336 marble columns, each 9.8 meters high and 2.4 meters in diameter. The cistern was used to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and is open today to visitors who can enjoy its spooky atmosphere.

The Story of the Basilica Cistern

Located in the heart of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is one of the largest and oldest cisterns in the world. The cistern, built by Emperor Justinian in 532, can hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. The cistern takes its name from the nearby Hagia Sophia Basilica, also built by Justinian.
The Basilica Cistern was used to supply water to the city’s inhabitants and many churches and palaces in Istanbul. The stone pillars of the cistern were originally taken from other buildings, including temples and palaces destroyed by the Goths in AD 410.

How Much Time Should You Spend Visit the Basilica Cistern?

Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Basilica Cistern is an ancient Byzantine cistern currently open to the public as a tourist attraction. It’s important to note that the Basilica Cistern isn’t your average tourist destination – it can be pretty eerie below, with its shady corners and barely lit walkways.
Therefore, you must allow sufficient time for your visit. How much time you will need depends on how much you want to see and how comfortable you want to get around. I recommend setting aside at least two hours for your visit – more if you plan to explore every nook and cranny.

How much is the Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee?

The Basilica Cistern is an underground water storage facility built in the 6th century. The cistern is known for its impressive architecture and 336 columns. The entrance fee for the cistern is 50 TL for local visitors, 190 TL for foreign visitors, and 20 TL for students and teachers.

This underground water system is one of the largest in the city and was built in the 6th century. The cistern has been used for many purposes over the years, sh hatchery and a place to store food. You need to buy a ticket to enter the cistern. Here’s how:

1. Go to the ticket office at the entrance of the Basilica Cistern.
2. Buy a ticket for 190 Turkish Liras.
3. Show your ticket to the attendant at the gate and enter the cistern.

How to Get to the Basilica Cistern?

The Basilica Cistern is a massive underground structure that was once used to store water for the city of Constantinople. It is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul and can be easily reached by following the directions below:

1. Take the tram from Taksim Square and go to Sultanahmet Square.
2. Get off the tram and walk straight until you reach the Basilica Cistern.
3. Enjoy your visit!