On this 30-minute tour, visit the 4th-century Basilica Cistern and discover the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Visit the Basilica Cistern, built in the 4th century and enlarged in 532 AD, used as water storage during Byzantine times. Listen to your guide as they explain the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Explore this cathedral-size cistern, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D. to supply water to the Great Palace. It stores up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, delivered via 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea. Descend the fifty-two stone steps into the entrance of the cistern. The cistern is surrounded by a firebrick wall with a thickness of 4 meters, coated with a waterproofing mortar. Hear how the Basilica Cistern's water comes from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Center in the Belgrade Forest and travels through the 971-meter-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct, built by the Emperor Justinian.
Important things to know before you visit
- Entrance to Basilica Cistern can only be done with our guide.
- Basilica Cistern tour is in the English language.
- We recommend being at the meeting point 5 minutes before the start to avoid any problems.
Meeting Point Meet with the guide in front of the Busforus Bus Stop at Sultanahmet Square. Our guide will hold the Istanbul E-pass flag at the meeting point and time. Busforus Old City Stop is located across the Hagia Sophia, and you can easily see red double-decker buses.
Free Cancelation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Descend fifty-two stone steps into the intriguing depths of the Basilica Cistern Museum, an architectural marvel dating back to the 4th century, with significant expansions in 532 AD in this Basicila Cistern Guided Tour.
Initially serving as a vital water storage facility during Byzantine times, this cathedral-sized cistern, commissioned by Emperor Justinian I, continues to mesmerize visitors with its historical significance and engineering ingenuity. As you explore, your guide will unravel the enigmatic tale behind the Medusa heads adorning the columns.
Immerse yourself in the vastness of this underground reservoir, capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. Constructed with meticulous precision, its firebrick walls, four meters thick and waterproofed with mortar, stand as a testament to ancient craftsmanship.
Learn about its impressive water supply system, spanning 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea, including the renowned Valens and Mağlova Aqueducts, masterpieces of engineering from the era of Emperor Justinian. Experience the timeless allure of the Basilica Cistern beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul.
