Historical Places in Istanbul, Basilica Cistern

Istanbul Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is located in Sultanahmet center just near of Hagia Sophia.

The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Venture into the underground palace that is filled ancient wonders such as the Medusa Pillar Bases, and the Hen’s Eye Column.

This cool underground oasis also goes by the Turkish name Yerebatan Sarnici. It is a sunken water cistern dating back to 532 built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

The water stored in the Basilica Cistern was used to supply the Great Palace where the emperor resided, and then afterwards, by the Ottomans in Topkapi Palace for a short while. As the Ottomans preferred running water to still water, they soon made alternative arrangements and Yerebatan Sarnıcı was left to be forgotten.

Basilica Cistern is opening at 9am and entrance price is 10 Turkish Lira.