Basilica Cistern
Istanbul, Turkey
About This Activity
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul. Built by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD, it held 80,000 cubic meters of water for the Great Palace. Walk along raised platforms through a forest of 336 marble columns, many salvaged from ruined temples. At the far end, two massive Medusa head column bases — one sideways, one upside-down — remain an unsolved archaeological mystery. Open 09:00-22:00 daily, with a special Night Shift experience (19:30-22:00) at higher rates. Allow 45-60 minutes.
Seasonal note: Year-round indoor; cool retreat in summer
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 85 of our curated itineraries.
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