The Cistern of Theodosius, one of the oldest water structures in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul with a history of approximately 1,600 years, does not have a construction inscription, but based on its architectural features, it is thought to have been built during the reign of Theodosius II (408 – 450).
In addition to the inadequacy of Istanbul’s water resources, due to population density and sieges, structures were needed to store water. While open and closed cisterns were used as water reservoirs for the city for centuries, it is known that magnificent closed cisterns such as Şerefiye and Yerebatan mainly provided water to the Great Palace, Nymphaeum and Zeuksippos Baths.
Constructed on an area of approximately 24 meters by 40 meters and with a ceiling height of 11 meters, Şerefiye Cistern has 45 sail vaults and 32 columns. All of the Corinthian style capitals carrying impost blocks were made of Marmara Island marble specifically for the Cistern. The capitals are decorated with acanthus (bear claw) leaves. The interior walls of the structure are covered with waterproof plaster and the corners are curved to withstand water pressure. The wall thickness is approximately 2.5 meters.
The Cistern of Theodosius was named after the neighborhood it was located in during the Ottoman period. The Arif Paşa Mansion, thought to have been built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and used as the Istanbul Municipality Building in 1912, was built on the cistern. This building served as the Istanbul Municipality Building between 1930 and 1984, and then as the Eminönü Municipality Building. In 2010, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality demolished the additional sections of the Eminönü Municipality building, and the Şerefiye Cistern, which remained under the building without damaging the historical structure and was little known until recently, was revealed.
The Cistern of Theodosius, which draws attention with its original flooring being visible compared to the Byzantine-era infrastructures in Istanbul and the fact that its original Corinthian capitals have survived to the present day in very good condition, was transformed into an archaeological park after the reinforced concrete structures around it were dismantled and the landscaping was completed.
Cistern of Theodosius, the oldest structure in the world to have a 360-degree projection mapping system integrated, offers its visitors an extraordinary museum experience. Offering a fascinating experience in an atmosphere where 1600 years of history meets art and technology, the cistern greets its visitors with a magnificent mapping display.
Within the scope of the "museum entrance campaign" specially prepared for the 100th anniversary of the Republic, local visitors will be able to visit the Basilica Cistern, Cistern of Theodosius , Miniatürk and Panorama 1453 History Museum free of charge until 11:00 in the morning for 100 days as öf October 2.(2023)
As of 2024, Turkish citizens will pay 150 TL
It is mandatory to present an ID for discounted and free admission. Since our institution is not affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Museum Card is not accepted. Credit cards and cash TL are valid. Foreign currency is not accepted.
The first session of this magnificent visual feast, which takes place every day in the mystical atmosphere of the cistern, starts every half hour at 09.00 and the last session at 18.30, and the screenings last approximately 10 minutes.
Visiting Hours
Cistern of Theodosius is open to visitors every day of the week between 09:00 - 19:00.
Which is the closest tram stop to Cistern of Theodosius in Fatih? The closest tram stop to Fatih Cistern of Theodosius is Beyazıt-covered bazaar and Circular Stone. It is a 5-minute walk away.
Built by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II between 428-443 to store the water carried by the Bozdoğan Aqueduct, the Cistern served the city as a water reservoir for centuries.
The first session of this magnificent visual feast, which takes place every day in the mystical atmosphere of the cistern, starts every half hour at 09.00 and the last session at 18.30, and the screenings last approximately 10 minutes.
Built on an area of approximately 24 meters by 40 meters and with a ceiling height of 11 meters, the Cistern of Theodosius contains 45 sail vaults and 32 columns.
You can use the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line, get off at the Çemberlitaş stop and then walk a short distance to get there.
The opening of the Cistern of Theodosius, whose restoration was completed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), was held.
When I saw that the queue for the Basilica Cistern was very crowded, I thought of seeing this place. It was absolutely magnificent with its atmosphere and the experience it provided. It has a similar architecture to the Basilica Cistern but it is a very small place. Despite this, they managed to turn the cistern into a kind of experience museum. When we went down, there was a slightly suspenseful music playing, it was scary at first, of course the lighting makes the inside impressive. Then all the lights went out and virtual images started to be projected everywhere, I never expected anything like this. I also really liked the Turkish flags and the reflection of Atatürk, it is really worth seeing. I think there was a story to the show but I couldn't quite understand it. I wish there was an informative article about it or a brochure was distributed. I am thinking of doing some research and going again. It is definitely worth seeing.
A must-visit heritage.
Entrance fee.
On Fatih Piyer Loti Street
The Cistern of Theodosius is a smaller version of the historical Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. It was built around the 5th century. Used throughout history to meet water needs, this cistern is now a touristic place that hosts visitors. Although it is smaller than the Basilica Cistern, it has similar architectural features and has an important place among the historical water structures of Istanbul. We paid 80 TL per person for the entrance fee. The Museum Card is not valid. There was also a discount for students.
Your request has been submitted successfully.
