FAQs about Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century as a major water storage system for Constantinople. It stored water brought through aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest and supplied the Great Palace, public buildings, and surrounding districts. Its purpose was to provide clean, secure water during normal use, droughts, and siege conditions, making it one of the most vital reservoirs of the Byzantine capital.

→ Read more: About Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

Skip the line access is available when you purchase a Basilica Cistern skip the line ticket online. These priority tickets allow you to enter directly during operating hours, and depending on the provider you may also have the option to choose a specific entry time.

This helps you avoid the regular ticket queue, which is especially useful during busy periods and weekends. Simply show your mobile ticket at the entrance, follow the fast entry route, and begin your visit without waiting.

 → Book your Basilica Cistern skip the line ticket here to secure fast access.

The mesmerizing Basilica Cistern was built by Emperor Justinian in 532 A.C. So now it is more than 1400 years old.  → Read more about its history as well as interesting facts on our dedicated page: About Basilica Cistern 

Basilica Cistern requires a paid ticket for entry. You can purchase it either on-site or online. Many travelers prefer online tickets because they help avoid long queues and offer more visiting options, including skip the line entry, night shift access or guided tours. You can also choose flexible combos or city pass options that bundle the cistern with other top landmarks. 

→ Explore skip the line tickets, night entry options, combos, and city passes for Basilica Cistern here.

→ See the most preferred combo tickets for Basilica Cistern here.

Basilica Cistern ticket prices vary depending on the type of experience you choose. Standard entry, skip the line admission, guided tours, night shift visits, and combo tickets each have different rates, and prices may change seasonally. The most up-to-date costs along with current discounts and ticket options can be viewed on our dedicated Basilica Cistern Tickets & Tours page

The Basilica Cistern is open to visitors seven days a week with the following schedule.

• Regular Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 18:30
• Night Shift Experience: 19:30 – 22:00

Please note that the Basilica Cistern is temporarily closed between 18:30 and 19:30 to prepare for the Night Shift sessions.

>> Check our opening hours page for additional visitor information and the best time to visit.

The best time to visit Basilica Cistern is usually spring and autumn, when Istanbul is pleasant for sightseeing and crowd levels are comfortable. Months like March to May and September to October offer mild weather, making the walk to Sultanahmet and nearby landmarks enjoyable. Since visitor numbers can increase during these periods, booking online skip the line tickets is recommended to avoid waiting at the entrance and secure your preferred experience.

→ To plan your timing more precisely, see: Basilica Cistern Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit.

The Basilica Cistern is located in Sultanahmet, right in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, just a few steps from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square. Its entrance sits on Yerebatan Street and is easy to reach on foot or by tram.

→ For walking routes, transport options, and a Basilica Cistern map, see our Getting There page.

You can take in the architectural splendor of the Basilica Cistern within around 1 hour to 1.5 hours. You can stroll around the long colonnades, look at the Medusa Heads, and observe the Weeping Column.

Yes, you are allowed to take photographs inside the Basilica Cistern, with the exception of the staircase area and with tripods and other professional photographic equipment, which may cause disturbance to other visitors.

The easiest way to reach Basilica Cistern is by taking the T1 tram, as it is affordable, direct, and avoids Istanbul’s heavy traffic. The closest stops are Sultanahmet Station and Gülhane Station, each about a 7-minute walk from the entrance. You can also walk easily from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque if you are already in the area.

→ For maps, route options, and walking guidance, visit our page: How to get to Basilica Cistern.

Basilica Cistern has one main public entrance, located on Yerebatan Street in Sultanahmet near Hagia Sophia. All visitors enter and exit through the same access point, making it easy to find and navigate.

For directions, transport options, and a map of the entrance and surrounding landmarks, visit our dedicated page: How to get to Basilica Cistern 

Wheelchairs are accessible at the Basilica Cistern, although getting there is difficult because there is only one lift. If there are two wheelchairs arriving at the same time, the process can take up to 30 minutes.

Yes, strollers are allowed in the Basilica Cistern.

One Medusa head is lying on its side at the base of a column, while the other is turned upside down; this, according to several myths, is meant to neutralise the creature's power. Myth has it that whoever Medusa looks upon becomes a stone statue. The builders may be looking for a way to avoid Medusa's curse.

The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is the largest cistern in the world. There are several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul is home to numerous cisterns, among which the Basilica Cistern stands out for its notable architectural features, including expansive constructions, antique columns, and the presence of Medusa heads. 

There is no dress code while visiting the Basilica Cistern, although the cistern lies below ground, where it is chilly, wet, and humid. When visiting the cistern, it is advised to bring a light sweater. The steel pathway can be challenging, so wear your most comfortable, closed shoes when exploring this unique place.