The Basilica Cistern
1012 reviews
October 10, 2024
Entrance is paid. 80 TL for adult, 30 TL for students. Expect a queue of approximately half an hour.
Basilica Cistern, also known as the Basilica, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) in 532, attracts attention with its seemingly countless marble columns rising from the water. The cistern, where 7 thousand slaves were employed during construction, was completed in 38 years. This giant structure, which covers a rectangular area with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters, has the capacity to store approximately 100 thousand tons of water. There are 336 columns inside the cistern, each 9 meters high. 98 of these columns reflect the Corinthian style, and some reflect the Doric style. The two Medusa Heads used as pedestals under two columns (one placed sideways and the other upside down) are masterpieces of Roman Period sculpture art and are the structures that attract the most attention of those who visit the cistern.
Due to their religious beliefs, the Ottoman people preferred flowing water over stagnant water. For this reason, the cistern was used for irrigation for a long time after the conquest of Istanbul and remained idle when the Ottoman Empire started to establish and use its own water facilities. P. Gyllius, of French origin, came to Istanbul, to the palace of Suleiman the Magnificent, in 1544, representing the King of France, François I, in order to collect valuable manuscripts for the library of the Kingdom of France. Gyllius is so fascinated by Istanbul that he says, "All cities in the world are doomed to die, but Istanbul will live as long as people exist."
While wandering around Hagia Sophia, Gyllius hears that people get water from the wells inside their houses and even fish. In fact, Gyllius is interested in ichthyology, the science of fish. Perhaps the subject of “fishing” impressed him and thus he asked: “What is there in this area with water underneath?” He thought and did his research. In the walled courtyard of a large wooden house known to the public, he sees stone steps leading underground. Taking a torch in his hand, he goes down these steps. He encounters a huge cistern below. In the following days, he descends to this cistern again and again and begins to wander on the water in a boat. He takes the measurements of the cistern and identifies the columns. He visited many important historical monuments of Istanbul until 1547, when he stayed in the city, and wrote very important books about the Bosphorus and the monuments he visited. These writings were published by his nephew in 1561-62, after Gyllius' sudden death.
Although it is not known exactly where and for what purpose the Medusa heads used as pedestals under the columns in the cistern were brought, there are some opinions about this:
According to a legend, Medusa is one of the three Gorgona sisters, female monsters of the underworld in Greek mythology. Snake-headed Medusa has the power to turn those who look at her to stone.
According to one view, Gorgona paintings and sculptures were used to protect large buildings and special places at that time. This is why the head of Medusa was placed in the cistern.
According to another rumor, Medusa; She was a girl who was proud of her black eyes, long hair and beautiful body. Medusa loved Zeus' son Perseus. Meanwhile, Athena also loved Perseus and was jealous of Medusa. That's why Athena turned Medusa's hair into snakes. Now everyone Medusa looked at turned into stone. Later, Perseus cut off Medusa's head and had the opportunity to defeat many of his enemies by taking advantage of her power. Based on this, the Head of Medusa was engraved on sword hilts in Byzantium and placed upside down on column bases (to prevent ministers from being cut into stone).
According to another rumor, Medusa looked sideways and turned herself into stone. That's why the sculptor who made the statue here made Medusa in three different positions according to the reflection angles of light.
3
March 2
A highly energetic place.
January 16
Very lovely place but expensive for tourists and we waited 1 hour to go into.
March 7
Great place to have a look at the civilization foundation.
December 14, 2024
good
August 15, 2024
Beautiful place
3
October 9, 2023
Crowded. But nice to see this place
June 5, 2023
A fascinating sight
November 21, 2024
The Basilica Cistern is one of the largest and best preserved ancient underground reservoirs in Constantinople, which bears some resemblance to the palace complex, located in the historical center of Istanbul in the Sultan Ahmed district opposite the Hagia Sophia.
Here we were greatly surprised at how the entire architecture was preserved. To be honest, I counted all 336 columns, 12 rows of 28 columns, eight meters high. The columns stand at a distance of 4.8 meters from each other. The walls are 4 meters thick and made of refractory bricks and covered with a special waterproofing solution.
There I saw a lot of pennies from different countries, different currencies. This is certainly something. I really liked it and I'm in a hurry to watch the movie starring Tom Hanks - "INFERNO"
The cost of the visit is 15,000 tenge (3,100 rubles; $ 31) if you take it at the checkout.
The queue lasts a maximum of 30 minutes. So go ahead to the Tank💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
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3
December 25, 2024
We expected more..
The place itself is very clean, beautiful, especially charming is the change of lighting (red, brown and green).
Strong platforms, a story in stone...
what didn't you like? There are several modern installations, cheap plastic without logic or subtext.
I'm sorry, but you can try for 900 lire per person....
We took the tickets offline at the box office...And yet, about the columns from different temples in Greece, it was clearly PR, in general, most of them were monotonous, several Corinthian...
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6
November 20, 2024
One of the largest and best preserved ancient underground reservoirs in Constantinople.
A reserve of drinking water was stored in the Basilica in case of drought or siege of the city, water was delivered through aqueducts and aqueducts.
It was built in 532.
The dimensions of the underground structure are 145 × 65 m .
The vaulted ceiling of the tank is supported by 336 columns (12 rows of 28 columns) 8 meters high.
Most of the columns are taken from ancient temples, so they differ from each other in the grade of marble and the type of processing, some of them consist of one, others of two parts, two columns at the base of the head of the Gorgon Medusa (one of them is upside down, the other is turned on its side, presumably so that no one I was not afraid to turn to stone when I looked into the eyes of this monster).
You feel very small in this majestic underground structure.
Admission in the evening from 19.30 to 23:30 costs 1400 liras. I only accept lira.
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5
1
February 27
The Basilica Cistern is one of 169 cisterns preserved in the Istanbul subway. It's the biggest and they've made a museum out of it. From above, near the exit, you can see the ruins of a water tower connected to a cistern earlier in a single system.
A bit of history: during the construction of Constantinople, there was not enough fresh water nearby, and throughout the construction of the city, all the streams that ran nearby were transformed into fresh water channels into the city, but this was not enough, so cisterns were built that contained fresh water for the needs of the city. According to archaeologists, to date, the channels for fresh water supplying the cisterns of Constantinople have been dug for 126 kilometers.
The location is impressive, in the best years of the tank's operation, the water rose to 4.5 m, while the height of the column was 9.0 m.
In the present, installations have been made in the cistern, there is a part of a tree that is 6000 years old.
Separately, I would like to tell you about the concerts in the Cistern: this is incomparable to anything... We accidentally got to the concert and the combination of the volume of the museum and the sounds is indescribable.
We were with a guide who told us historical facts in a very interesting way.
If possible, visit this museum.
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1
December 15, 2024
The coolest place for me in Istanbul! Impressive! You walk between the columns and the water, catch colorful lights and take pictures, take pictures of these reflections and realities of unreal beauty!
Just "be sure" to visit.
There was a queue in the afternoon, and in the evening we went in freely. The visit does not depend on the weather and daylight - it's still underground. It is always warm, damp and beautiful there.
The acoustics are certainly excellent. We didn't check - there was no concert
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October 11, 2024
The legendary tank with the Gorgon Medusa, the scene of action in the finale of "Inferno", and its penetration into modern culture began back in "From Russia with Love".
It's beautiful, cool, the backlight randomly changes and changes the whole entourage. For October 2024, the entrance costs 1000 lira, I recommend buying tickets online - there was 35 euros just an entrance and 35.9 euros an entrance with an audio guide (there is Russian), which is simply downloaded to the phone (just do it before the descent - there is no network inside). With an electronic ticket, you pass without queuing, and a solid queue stretches behind the usual ones.
We really liked it - a great combination of ancient and modern culture, a lot of impressions, an excellent background for photos, compact in time, and legs do not have time to get tired.
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7
February 7
An atmospheric place!!! Very impressive! If possible, be sure to check it out, preferably with an audio guide. Of course, you can find all the information on the Internet, but listening to the guide inside and at the same time feeling the space where you are is indescribable.
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March 9
An interesting interior historical place. It's worth visiting at least once. But the prices ... every month the price gets more expensive and now, in my opinion, it is too high - 1200 Turkish lira per person. In 20-30 minutes, that's too much. It's not worth it. Considering that this is a brick room with water and lighting. The column with the Gorgon and the fact that famous films were shot there attracts crowds of people
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November 25, 2024
I was in the Basilica cistern 2 times, before and after the reconstruction. For the 2nd time in 2024. November. The price before the reconstruction was quite acceptable 100-150 liras. After the reconstruction, the price was set at 900 lire. There are no discounts for children. 1 adult + 2 children cost a visit of 2700 lire, i.e. about 8500r. Actually walk through the tank for 20 minutes at most. If there were before the reconstruction, then little has changed. Actually, I think it's not worth paying 900 liras. If you haven't been before, of course you need to visit if you are in Istanbul.
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6
March 10
One of the most popular and beautiful sights of Istanbul.
The construction of the Basilica's Cistern began during the reign of Emperor Constantine I the Great in the 4th century, but it was finally completed under Justinian I in 532. It was named the "Basilica" because it was located under a large public building that was built before it and was called the basilica. When this basilica burned down during the Nika rebellion in 532, its ruins were used to build a new cistern.
Inside there are 336 columns about 9 meters high each.
The columns supported the vaulted ceiling of the interior space, which was filled with water. These columns were brought from various ancient temples and buildings.
Special attention is drawn to the two heads of the Gorgon Medusa, located at the base of two columns in one of the corners of the cistern. It is not known exactly why these heads ended up there, although there are several versions. One of them says that they were specially placed in such a way as to turn the Gorgon's gaze away from the visitors and prevent them from turning into stone.
After the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, the cistern continued to be used for the water supply of the Sultan's Topkapi Palace until the middle of the 16th century. Later, it gradually fell into disrepair and was used by local residents as a storage facility or even a landfill.
The cistern has now been restored and is open to the public. They even told me on the tour that classical music concerts are held here, but I didn't find this information anywhere.
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3
March 12
I recommend you to visit. An unusual object with an interesting history and functionality. Great photos, interesting tour (we had a guide, Mahmoud, as part of a walking tour of Istanbul "What to see in Istanbul in 5 hours!")
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March 16
An incredible experience! We really liked it. It was lucky that there weren't many people, it turned out to get into the atmosphere. A grandiose structure, amazing for its time. The lighting changes beautifully, which adds mystery to the place.
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January 31
It's just a fantastic place. It's amazing in one way. And after learning the history of this building, you really wonder at the genius of ancient civilizations. You will definitely visit Istanbul. Spare no expense on the ticket. And one more thing: Don't be fooled by guides. They ask for a lot, but there's no point. Most museums have an audio guide in Russian. The ticket price is not much more. Although in general, excursions are not very cheap. 1000 lire per person. Only the Basilica.
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January 19
In my opinion, the Basilica cannot even compare with the Topkapi Palace, despite its modest size, but considering that this structure is fifteen hundred years old, everything here is amazing. These are completely different columns, ceiling vaults, and the whole idea of the ancients for storing water. This is simply an unthinkable structure in its essence, plus an art object and a museum. The cherry on the cake is the price of a visit, as of January 25, it is quite affordable compared to the main places of attraction, such as Galata Tower, or Hagia Sophia, where you will fork out a lot. In general, a must-visit, very atmospheric and cool place.
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2
November 12, 2024
The Basilica Cistern is a landmark of Istanbul, which is impossible to pass by. The place, in my opinion, is a must-visit. An underground reservoir, majestic columns, ancient engravings, marble of various grades... It's a complete mystery to me how all this was built back then... A mystical, mysterious place.
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3
March 25
Ambiguous emotions. Very expensive entrance for a 30-minute stay. Beautiful lighting. The jellyfish are in place. There are some installations. But the entrance is converted into rubles, it costs 2500-3500 rubles. However, you can walk for longer than 30 minutes, but we were in March and of course it was cool inside. It's probably nice to be there in the summer, in the heat. We didn't take an audio guide, and I don't know if it's there. Maybe that's why the impressions are not so vivid. The cistern, of which there are more than 40 in Istanbul. In general, I do not regret that I went, but I would not have come a second time)
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November 30, 2024
I've always wanted to come here. The price is about 1000 liras, if you buy directly at the checkout, through the app the price is 2-3 times lower. The cistern is a monumental structure, but if you don't read the story in advance, or without a guide. then the experience will be disappointing. There are two queues at the entrance: those who buy a ticket on the spot, and those who bought through an agency or an application. Both queues move quickly, but there are a lot of people, so it's better to come on weekdays. Inside, everything is arranged in such a way that it is not possible to step aside
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February 2
A magical historical place in Istanbul. A must-see, especially if you've read Dan Brown's Inferno. Or at least watch the movie :)
TIP: there are long queues at the entrance during high season. Smart guys will approach you and offer to get through faster for the money. The queue is moving fast, so I don't recommend it.
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4
September 30, 2024
An impressive place to visit in the center of Istanbul is the Basilica Reservoir. In the heat, the top place))) but seriously, without an audio guide, you can go through everything in 5 minutes and not feel all the energy of this historical, full of events and difficulties of its occurrence moments.
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1
January 21
Mysterious and majestic, it smells of history ☺️
As in any tourist destination, there are a lot of people, it's noisy, but the impression is still wonderful.We were guided by a guide, so we didn't wait long, but the queue at the entrance is quite long.
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December 20, 2024
An amazing place! It impresses with its architecture, engineering, scale, atmosphere, and grandeur. It's hard to imagine that this ancient underground reservoir, the construction of which began in the 4th century, was built by humans! And it has been preserved in this form ever since!
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3
January 16
A grandiose place, impressive, fascinating with its beauty and unreality.It feels like you're entering another dimension, everything is as mysterious and magical as in the movies.I definitely recommend it.
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January 25
I visited the Basilica Cistern in December 2024. But even during this period it was quite crowded.
I took this tour as part of a tour, so I can't say exactly how much it cost me. If you just want to visit this Cistern without using a tourist card or as part of an excursion tour, the ticket will cost 800 lire per adult and 600 lire per child.
Now about the Tank itself)
Certainly one of the grandiose and large-scale buildings of the Byzantine Empire period. Being inside is breathtaking. It is impossible to believe that this structure is the work of man. There is practically no water in it now, but circles are still visible on the huge columns, indicating the water level that was in the past.
Beautiful lighting adds mystique to this place. There are many modern installations in the Cistern: the Gorgoga jellyfish, a family of ordinary jellyfish, and glowing geometric shapes.
Overall, the place is worth a visit.
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February 26
It's a very interesting and unusual place. It's beautifully decorated, there's lighting everywhere, and there are beautiful statues. Tickets with an audio guide are 1000 lire per person. The audio guide is downloaded on your mobile phone via your local Wi-Fi.
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February 20
This place is definitely worth a visit, and then delve into its history! The scale of the tank is simply impressive and admirable. It is especially pleasant to walk here in winter, when there are few people, and you can slowly enjoy the beauty of Roman inventions.
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October 29, 2024
An amazing atmospheric place! If you think about the year it was built, it's even more impressive. We went in the evening, there were almost no people, you walk through these deserted halls in silence, here and there lights come on and illuminate the figures - it is fascinating.
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March 8
A very pretentious and mysterious place! History breathes there! And 1300 lire, it's not expensive to breathe this air. The water does not bloom, there are no foreign odors. An interesting backlight has been made. There is a statue in the far left corner. It's modern, but the lighting is made so that the shadow falls on the wall and it's like you're entering a mysterious world! It's a strange feeling! I held my breath, and this miracle was about to come out behind my back!
The ticket office is inside, you go in, go through the security check and buy a ticket. You can use cash (lira) or a card. I recommend it! You won't regret it!
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January 9
A must see in Istanbul. An atmospheric place, it impresses with its size and scale. The art objects are thematic works by students of creative universities.
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March 6
It's expensive, but it's worth the money. There is an interesting atmosphere inside, there are different compositions, which adds to the atmosphere. There are a lot of tourists, but you can take a nice picture.
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January 22
You can visit once, but 30 euros is too expensive. I didn't get any excitement. It is better to buy a ticket online, then you will not stand in a big queue, since someone bought a separate ticket online without queuing. By the way, there is also a cistern nearby in a 10-minute walk and it is free)
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1
October 31, 2024
As for us, it is a must-visit place. Majestic columns, ancient engravings, tiles, searches for places from Inferno, columns and heads of medusa. A mysterious and slightly mystical place. You need to make a wish when a drop from the ceiling is dripping on you
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February 5
Very atmospheric! There were two times. Once alone, the second time with a guide. Of course, it's more interesting and informative with a guide. Plus, we walked without waiting in line. I recommend visiting this place!
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October 2, 2024
The place has an impressive atmosphere, but it will not suit everyone.
It's better to go early, before there are too many people. Or vice versa in the evening.
The price bites, but I'm not sorry at all.
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March 4
truly a masterpiece of engineering. It is not only the scale of the building that amazes, but also the year of construction. There is a somewhat mysterious atmosphere downstairs, and the lighting and musical accompaniment enhance it. I recommend it!
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November 12, 2024
It's a very atmospheric place. I definitely recommend taking a guide. There is a queue for tickets, but it moves quickly. The price is 900 lire per person . There are no children's tickets.
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January 26
Definitely ready to visit. Plus the archaeological museum. Perhaps the best collection of ancient finds after Greece and Italy and, probably, London.
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November 12, 2024
Even if you are not a fan of museums and attractions, you should definitely come here.
The ancient reservoir was turned into an art object, while leaving the feeling of an ancient, monumental structure, diluted with relevant works of art.
It's a very unusual atmosphere, I want to stay longer.
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1
March 15
The legendary cistern of the Basilica was visited with an individual tour. It's very beautiful and informative! There is no need to stand in a huge queue with the tour.
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March 6
I've visited it several times, and I personally really like it!Mysterious atmosphere, semi-darkness, water!One visit was complicated by standing in line for a long time, but it was worth it!I recommend you to visit as a must!The prices for entrance tickets (all the sights of Turkey, not only in Istanbul) are high!!!!We must be prepared for this fact!!!
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February 5
We bought tickets without an excursion, 900 lire per person, well, it's not worth it! Someone joked: I went down the Turkish sewer. Water drips on your head or something else 🤪from above, the WOW effect is only on photos and videos. We didn't get there the first time, we went the second time, and I just regretted the money I left for the tickets. Columns, lighting, a couple of objects for a mystical setting. In my photos, this is all that can be photographed) It is better to go from the very opening, there are always huge queues at the entrance.
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1
February 14
One of the most vivid impressions of Istanbul. A very beautiful place with an amazing history. Along with St. Sophia, I highly recommend visiting. Really expensive(
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November 13, 2024
A very interesting and tourist place! I like the lighting, the atmosphere, and a large number of tourists are not very inspiring, but this is the cost of such places!
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