Uncover the secrets of the Basilica Cistern with an audio guide. Explore ancient engineering marvels and mythical Medusa heads in this underground wonder.
Uncover the secrets of the Basilica Cistern with an audio guide. Explore ancient engineering marvels and mythical Medusa heads in this underground wonder.
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Basilica Cistern - At the Basilica Cistern, guests enter a remarkable subterranean area constructed in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. This cistern, which originally held water for the Great Palace of Constantinople, boasts 336 marble columns and a serene, cool ambiance.
A notable feature is the Medusa head columns—two ancient…
- Basilica Cistern - At the Basilica Cistern, guests enter a remarkable subterranean area constructed in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. This cistern, which originally held water for the Great Palace of Constantinople, boasts 336 marble columns and a serene, cool ambiance.
A notable feature is the Medusa head columns—two ancient stone carvings of Medusa, one positioned upside down and the other sideways. These elements add an intriguing aspect to the location.
While exploring, visitors will also discover the cistern’s history and its significance in Istanbul’s water system. The Basilica Cistern offers a unique and captivating experience for those interested in history, architecture, or seeking a memorable visit.
For guided tours: Please meet your guide at Dsign Cafe at least 15 minutes before the tour begins. For easy identification, look for the white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and logos.
- Entrance to Basilica Cistern
- Optional Guided Tour
- Audio guide in 25 languages
- Entrance to Basilica Cistern
- Optional Guided Tour
- Audio guide in 25 languages
- Tips
- Gratuities
- Tips
- Gratuities
Discover the Basilica Cistern, originally constructed in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD, which served as a water reservoir during the Byzantine era. Enjoy insights from your guide about the enigmatic Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
Wander through this vast cistern, created under Emperor Justinian I’s rule in 532 A.D., designed to provide water…
Discover the Basilica Cistern, originally constructed in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD, which served as a water reservoir during the Byzantine era. Enjoy insights from your guide about the enigmatic Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
Wander through this vast cistern, created under Emperor Justinian I’s rule in 532 A.D., designed to provide water to the Great Palace. It has the capacity to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, transported through 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea.
An audio guide is provided and is available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian.
Participants who have opted for the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour should meet their guide at the designated location, Dsign Cafe, at least 15 minutes prior to the tour’s start time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
