Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan)

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. It is a large underground cistern that was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The cistern is located near the Hagia Sophia and the Sultanahmet Mosque, and it is open to the public for tours. The Basilica Cistern is a vast underground chamber that is supported by 336 marble columns.

The columns are arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns, and they are each about 9 meters high. The cistern is filled with water, and it is said to be able to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water.

The Basilica Cistern is a popular tourist destination because of its unique architecture and its historical significance. It is a great place to learn about the Byzantine Empire and to see one of the most impressive engineering feats of the Middle Ages.

The Basilica Cistern is a great place to visit if you are interested in Byzantine history, architecture, or simply want to see a unique and interesting place in Istanbul.


Basilica Cistern Location:

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Old Town Museums (UPDATED: June 2025)

1- Topkapı Palace Museum
Location:Sultanahmet
Closed Days:Tuesdays
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Valid (Except Harem section)
Entrance Fees:
Topkapı Palace & Hagia Irene & Harem
(Combined Ticket)
2400 TL

2- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
Location:Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Valid
Entrance Fee:15 Euro

3- Museum of the History of
Science and Technology in Islam
Location:Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Valid
Entrance Fee:10 Euro

4- Basilica Cistern
Location:Sultanahmet
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 18:30 (9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:1300 TL

5- Şerefiye Cistern (Theodosius Cistern)
Location:Sultanahmet
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:825 TL

6- Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts
Location:Sultanahmet Square
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Valid
Entrance Fee:17 Euro

7- Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Location:Sultanahmet, Arasta Bazaar
Closed Days:closedMuseum is closed for restoration
Visiting Hours:*
Museum Pass Card:Valid
Entrance Fee:*