Travel ideas
16.11.2021 780
Is the Basilica Cistern open? Where is the Basilic Cistern and how to get there
The Basilica Cistern, which contains perhaps the grandest and most mysterious history of Istanbul, was built to meet the water needs of the people in Byzantine times. This unique place, touted by the public as the Basilica Palace, is a historical cultural monument due to the marble columns that protrude from the water inside and contain innumerable artifacts.
It is also called the Sunken Palace because the Basilica Cistern used to be where the Basilica Cistern is located. There are 336 columns, each 9 meters high, and the magnificent Medusa stone inside the Basilica Cistern, which descends from a stone staircase with 52 steps. It is managed by the subsidiary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Kültür A.Ş. operated and is not only a museum, but also hosts many international events.
Where is the Sunken Palace?
The Basilica Cistern is located in the southwestern part of Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet, which is one of the oldest settlements in Istanbul and is known as its heart.
How do I get to the Basilica Cistern?
One of the shortest routes to the Basilica Cistern is via the tram line between Kabataş and Bağcılar. If you arrive at the Sultanahmet stop, it is enough to walk 3 minutes. For those coming here from the Anatolian side, it is enough to take the Kabataş-Zeytinburnu tram by taking the ferry from Kadıköy to Kabataş, Karaköy or Eminönü.
For those coming from Yenikapı or the Anatolian side, it is enough to use the Marmaray Line. At Sirkeci stop, by following the Cağaloğlu-Vilayet exit, coming to the Istanbul Governor's Office and from here walking to the Basilica Cistern, it is only a 7-minute walk away.
What to do in the Basilica Cistern
In the Cisterna Basilica you can wander through the fascinating atmosphere of the underground columned forest, watch the colorful fish that circulate in the water and throw money if you wish. You can have your picture taken in a corner of the cistern for a fee of 15 TL per person.
How much is the entrance to the Basilica Cistern?
Entry to the Basilica Cistern is 10 TL for adults and 5 TL for students. Since the Basilica Cistern is not connected to the Ministry of Culture, there is no museum card.
Is the Basilica Cistern open?
The Basilica Cistern is open to visitors 7 days a week. Exceptionally, it opens at 1 p.m. on the first day of religious holidays.
The Basilica Cistern, which opens at 9 a.m. on other days, closes at 5:30 p.m. in the evening.
Contact information for the Basilica Cistern
Address: Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34410 Fatih / Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 522 12 59
+90 242 322 55 55 |
