The “Sunken Palace” is one of the most striking remnants of Byzantine Constantinople and is the largest of hundreds of ancient underground reservoirs in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern Tours
Visit Basilica Cistern
Reviews of Basilica Cistern
4.4
Top Destination
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020it cost 20 lira and i spent 15 minutes here. it is cool to see the history and a few photo but not worth a second trip.
4/5 - Good
Rusty
Oct 13, 2019Saw aa special on Discovery or Nat Geo and thought this was great. I was a little disappointed after view the show, but still amazed at the work and the craftsmanship that went into building this place. The old saying, they don't build them like this anymore holds true for this place. Probably not a good place for young kids, it is dark and damp and when the tour groups come, it gets crowded quick
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Sep 8, 2019Under reconstruction- wait a few years to come.
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Jul 28, 2019This is a quick 15-20 minute visit. It is across the street from the Hagia Sofia. We paid 10 or 15 lira per person to enter. It is dark and wet. Unfortunately, it is very poorly lit. We had been excited to see it since we knew a scene from a Bond flick was shot there, however, you can't really see much of anything. If you use flash, you can get a few shots of columns. There are two columns with Madusa heads for bases. The sign it nowhere near them. Everyone took pictures of blackness looking for them. It was funny because I asked a worker to find out that they were at the very end before turning around and coming back out. If you want to appear really smart and knowledgeable, tell everyone who is bewildered looking for them that they are at then end.
5/5 - Excellent
lee
May 27, 2019Went on my last trip here, very interesting and a cool respite for a hot day. Worth a stop.
4/5 - Good
HijabNomani
Mar 18, 2019A lot of it is under construction. Walk to the end to see the Medusa heads.
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Best Lodging Options Near Basilica Cistern
Check availability on hotels close to Basilica Cistern
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.