Yerebatan Sarnıcı · Sultanahmet · Istanbul
The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
A forest of 336 columns beneath the heart of Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is the largest surviving Byzantine reservoir in Istanbul. It was built in 532 under the emperor Justinian I to supply water to the Great Palace and the buildings of the imperial quarter. It lies just 150 metres from Hagia Sophia.
It measures about 138 by 65 metres, nearly 10,000 square metres, and could hold 80,000 cubic metres of water. Its roof rests on 336 marble columns, each 9 metres tall, in 12 rows of 28. Many were reused from older buildings, like the famous bases carved with the face of Medusa.
It closed in 2017 for a major restoration and earthquake reinforcement, and reopened in 2022 with new lighting and contemporary art installations among the columns. Today you walk on raised walkways over the water, in soft light and golden reflections. No wonder James Bond came through here in From Russia with Love (1963).
Plan your visit
Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY 4.0 Tickets and opening hours
Skip-the-line entry, a guided visit or the evening session: prices, opening hours and the fastest way in.
Photo: Nan Palmero, CC BY 2.0 What to see inside
The forest of 336 columns, the two Medusa heads, the Hen's Eye Column and the contemporary art.
Photo: Zach1055, CC BY-SA 4.0 Getting there
Right in Sultanahmet, opposite Hagia Sophia and three minutes from the tram stop.
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0 With Hagia Sophia and Topkapi
Combined tickets and guided tours for the cistern, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi.
Common questions
How much is a ticket?
Foreign visitors pay 1,950 Turkish lira for the day session (about €35) and 3,000 lira for the evening session (about €55). Children under 7 go free. More on tickets and opening hours.
Is a skip-the-line ticket worth it?
Yes, especially in high season. With an online ticket you head straight for the entrance and keep your time for Hagia Sophia and the rest of Sultanahmet.
Can I visit at night?
Yes. The evening session runs from 19:30 to 22:00 with its own ticket. The cistern closes between 18:30 and 19:30 to get ready for it.
Where are the Medusa heads?
In the north-west corner of the cistern, at the base of two columns: one is upside down and the other on its side. See what to see.
Is it close to Hagia Sophia?
Just 150 metres away, which is why combining the two is the easy option: see combined tickets and tours.