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Built by Emperor Justinianus in 532, the Basilica Cistern is also known as the Basilica Cistern because it is located under the Stoa Basilica. The cistern is a giant structure that covers a rectangular area of ​​140 meters in length and 70 meters in width. There are 336 columns, each 9 meters high, inside the cistern, which can be accessed via a 52-step stone staircase. These columns, erected at intervals of 4.80 meters from each other, form 12 rows, 28 in each row.

These columns rising out of the water remind of a vast forest and impress the visitor as soon as they enter the cistern. The ceiling weight of the cistern was transferred to the columns through cross-shaped vaults and round arches. Most of the columns, most of which were apparently collected from older buildings and carved from granite of various types of marble, consist of a single piece, and some of them consist of two pieces on top of each other. The titles of these columns have different characteristics from place to place. While 98 of them reflect the Corinthian style, some of them reflect the Doric style. The brick-built, 4.80-meter-thick walls and brick-paved floor of the cistern were plastered with a thick layer of Khorasan mortar, making it waterproof. This cistern, which has a total area of ​​9 thousand 800 square meters, has a water storage capacity of approximately 100 thousand tons.

The water of the cistern, in which 7 thousand slaves worked, was brought from the Eğrikapı water distribution center in the Belgrade forests, 19 kilometers away from the city, with the help of the 971-meter-long Valens (Bozdoğan) aqueduct built by Emperor Valens in (368) and the 115.45-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct built by Emperor Justinian. The majority of the columns in the cistern are cylindrical, except for a few that are angular or grooved. Among these columns, the one decorated with the repetition of Peacock Eye, Drooping Branch and Tear shapes in carved and relief form attracts particular attention. This column is from IV. It is similar to the columns in the triumphal arch of the great Theodesius (379-395) from the 16th century. 

The two Medusa heads used as pedestals under the two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern are masterpieces of Roman Age sculpture art. Those who visit the cistern watch in amazement IV. Although there is no exact information about which building these heads from the 16th century were taken here from, it is thought that they were removed from an ancient building from the Young Roman Period and brought here.

After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans in 1453, the Basilica Cistern was used for a while and water was supplied to the gardens of Topkapı Palace, where the sultans lived. The cistern, which was apparently not used by the Ottomans, who preferred tap water, that is, flowing water, rather than still water, after establishing their own water facilities in the city, was rediscovered by the Dutch traveler P. Gyllius, who came to Istanbul in 1544-1550 to investigate Byzantine ruins.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a result of a comprehensive research conducted in the Basilica Cistern, a sarcophagus weighing tons was found in one of the closed corridors. The real event happens when the sarcophagus is opened. Because while the body of the mummy in the sarcophagus is the body of a snake, its head is a human head.

The entrance fee to the Basilica Cistern, regardless of weekdays, is 88 TL for domestic visitors, 660 TL for foreign visitors, and 33 TL for students. Additionally, Night Shift events are held on some days between 22:00 and 00:00.

One of the secrets of the Basilica Cistern is that waterproofing played a critical role in its construction. Istanbul's underground cistern was carefully designed to prevent water from leaking and filling the interior of the cistern with water.

Architectural features

It is estimated that the cistern was built to meet the water needs of the monumental building called Basilika Stoa, which is thought to have stood in the past, and the region. It has a water storage capacity of approximately 100,000 tons.

Perseus, thinking that Medusa was fascinated, cut off her head and took part in the wars, holding the severed head in his hand. Those who see the head are turned to stone and Perseus wins the wars. It is said that after this incident, Medusa was engraved upside down and sideways on sword hilts and column bases in ancient Byzantium.

For those wondering why Medusa is upside down, we can answer this question as follows; Medusa's head was placed upside down so that those who looked at the column bases would not be petrified. Also, if you ask why money is thrown into the Basilica Cistern, it is believed that if money is thrown into the water by making a wish, those wishes will come true.”

After the new regulations, the fish were removed from the cistern because the physical conditions in the cistern and the water level in some areas were not suitable for the fish to survive. In addition to being used as a museum, the Basilica Cistern also hosts concerts and visual feasts.

Turkish Republic over the age of 65 citizens and all visitors under the age of 7, veterans/martyrs and their first degree relatives, and Disabled Card holders can visit our museum free of charge between 09.00-18.30 upon presentation of their ID.

The Basilica Cistern spreads over a very large area, and it takes about 45 minutes on average to visit it.

According to written sources, the Basilica Cistern, which met the water needs of the city for hundreds of years by distributing the water obtained from waterways and rain to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings where the emperors resided, was also supplied with water from the Hadrianus Transmission Line, one of the historical waterways.

According to another source, Perseus buried Medusa's head in the marketplace in Argos.

Basilica Cistern was built during the Byzantine period using bricks with the Byzantine construction technique, with walls and floors 4.80 meters thick. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the building was used for a while and became the water source of the garden of Topkapı Palace.

It is not forbidden to take photos and videos inside.

Basilica Cistern is closed to visitors between 18.30-19.30 due to session arrangements. It is mandatory to present an ID for discounted and free entrance. Since our institution is not affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, the Museum Card is not valid. Credit cards and cash TL are accepted.

According to the story, Medusa is a female character with snake hair and sharp teeth who turns those who look into her eyes to stone. According to Greek mythology, Medusa was a beautiful woman who was raped by Athena's husband Poseidon and was turned into a monster in retaliation. Medusa was originally called Stheno or Euryale.

It was built between 500 and 550 on the orders of Byzantine emperor Justinian I. For this reason, it is also called the "Basilica Cistern", but this large underground cistern is also known as the "Basilica Palace" among the public with its countless magnificent columns rising from the water.

The cistern located in the center of the city provided water to the city by storing underground water resources. It is known that the Basilica Cistern is supported by 336 columns and 12 arches, and its size is approximately 70 meters x 140 meters. The cistern has two large sections that can be accessed via a series of tunnels and stairs.

This column is shaped with reliefs and carvings of a peacock's eye, drooping branch and teardrop, and is known as the "weeping column". Rumor has it that 7,000 slaves worked in the construction of the cistern, which lasted 38 years, and hundreds of them lost their lives, and this column was erected in their memory.

After making a wish, it is believed that if the coins are dropped into a puddle, sometimes into a pool, or sometimes into a stream, and their sound is heard when they fall into the water, the wish will come true; if it is not heard, it will not come true.

The interior and lighting design of the Basilica Cistern, which entered the restoration process in 2016 and was reopened for use on July 21, 2022, was made by Atelye70 and Insula Architettura e Ingegneria.

Basilica Cistern, one of the important historical places of Istanbul, will be presented to world cinema lovers with the movie "Inferno", adapted from Dan Brown's novel of the same name.

Basilica Cistern will be open to visitors between 19.30 and 23.50, in addition to the visiting hours between 09.00 and 18.30.

Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. This historical building, built during the Byzantine period, is also known for its proximity to Hagia Sophia Mosque and Sultanahmet Mosque, which are the symbols of Istanbul. People who want to visit the Basilica Cistern can also visit other structures in the same area.

It is forbidden to enter the water in the cistern or to touch or take the wish coins inside. * It is strictly forbidden to touch or climb on the historical structures (columns, statues, paintings) in the cistern.

Width 70m
Floor area 9,800 m2

The cistern, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, was connected to the Hadrianic waterways, which met the water needs of the regions between the first and second hills of the city.

Basilica Cistern is a mysterious and fascinating structure located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul. This ancient water tank, dating back thousands of years, was built during the Byzantine Empire. When you step into the cistern, you are greeted by a fascinating atmosphere.
The cistern's wide, arched galleries and columns make a great impression on visitors. This fascinating place is decorated with vaulted ceilings supported by hundreds of columns. The pillars come in different shapes and sizes, creating a mystical atmosphere when walking among them.

One of the most striking features of the cistern is the Medusa capitals on the bases of its columns. These mysterious headdresses represent the face of the mythological creature Medusa. These details remind us of the history of the cistern and its traces from the Byzantine period.Although the cistern was used for water storage purposes, today it is open to visitors and has become a tourist attraction. Its silence and coolness provide relaxation to visitors on hot Istanbul days. Special events accompanied by lighting and music further increase the mystical atmosphere of the cistern.

Basilica Cistern is an indispensable stop for those who want to discover the history and mystery of Istanbul. This ancient structure takes visitors back to the past and has great importance as part of Istanbul's water supply systems. The fascinating atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern is a place that impresses its visitors and offers an unforgettable experience.

2 Reviews for Basilica Cistern

derya22

37 Reviews

interesting

5.0/ 5

The museum card is not valid. (It’s ridiculous that it isn’t) ⭐ That’s why I didn’t give it. 📱To avoid waiting in the long queue, be sure to buy your ticket online with Passo. 👀A very interesting and must-see place. 🪅There is a light show at 09:00 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening. 💸The entrance price for May 25, 2024 is 200 TL, if you buy from Passo it is 220 TL

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osman50

1 Reviews

A very beautiful place

5.0/ 5

A very beautiful place. I wish there were different light shows. There are legendary photographic landscapes. I think it was a place that had to be entered with a museum card, but we entered by paying money. It took less than 1 hour to tour.

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