Istanbul: Basilica Cistern TourShared Group Tour

Discover the Basilica Cistern on a guided tour with fast-track entrance. Learn about the impressive structure of the Roman Empire as featured in Dan Brown's novel, "Inferno" and James Bond.
Discover the majestic Basilica Cistern Museum, a testament to the grandeur of Istanbul's history. Constructed by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I between 527 and 565, this expansive underground water reservoir, often referred to as "Yerebatan Sarayı" or Sunken Palace, captivates with its forest of marble columns emerging from the water. Situated on the site of the former Stoa Basilica, its official name, "Bazilika Sarnıcı," hints at its historical foundation.

Boasting a capacity of 80,000 tons, the Basilica Cistern stands as the city's largest covered cistern, remarkable not just for its size but for its sophisticated engineering and the number of reclaimed supporting elements. Spanning about 10,000 square meters, its rectangular layout measures 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width, a colossal space that once channelled water from aqueducts and rainfall to the Great Palace and nearby structures, fulfilling the city's water requirements for centuries.

Within its depths, 336 columns rise to a height of 9 meters, spaced 4.80 meters apart in 12 rows of 28, predominantly carved from single marble blocks. These columns not only support the structure but also add to the cistern's awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The Basilica Cistern's history is marked by periods of restoration, particularly during the Ottoman era under Sultan Ahmed III and Sultan Abdulhamid II, and more modern efforts that have preserved its integrity. Notably, between 1985 and 1987, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's restoration efforts unveiled the iconic Medusa head blocks, serving as column bases. These heads, one positioned horizontally and the other upside down, are masterpieces of Roman sculpture, drawing the fascination of visitors and inspiring numerous legends.

Reopened as a museum after its restoration in 1987, the Basilica Cistern now includes a visitor platform, making it an essential stop in Istanbul's sightseeing circuit. Esteemed figures such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok have explored its mysteries, adding to its prestige as a cultural landmark.

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