An underground cathedral of water and whispers
The Basilica Cistern invites unhurried steps and quiet breaths.
Descend from bright streets into a half‑light world where 336 column shafts hold centuries of cool and calm.
Listen for soft drips, watch ripples fold the lamplight, and move at a gentle pace along raised walkways.
Arrive early or late to savor the hush; be mindful on stairs and in dim corners—this is a place for small voices and big wonder..
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) Visiting timetable
Open daily with seasonal variations. Evening visits offer mood and space; capacity may be managed for comfort and conservation. Final admission can shift on busy or event days.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) Closing Days
Generally open year‑round; occasional partial closures for restoration, special programs, or safety checks. Check official advisories for current access to Medusa platforms and exhibition areas.
Where is Located
Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd., 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Istanbul, Türkiye
How to get there
In Sultanahmet, a few calm steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque—easy from the tram and wrapped by café streets and small museums.
By Train
Take tram T1 to Sultanahmet or Gülhane; from either stop, stroll toward Hagia Sophia and follow signs for Yerebatan Sarnıcı. The entrance is street‑level; a short descent leads you into the cistern’s cool.
By Car
Traffic in the historic peninsula is dense and parking limited. Prefer tram, taxi to the perimeter, or a rideshare drop‑off near Sultanahmet Square—then continue on foot for the last few hundred meters.
By Bus
Buses serve nearby hubs like Eminönü and Beyazıt. From there, switch to tram T1 or enjoy a 10–15 minute walk through the old town’s lanes.
On Foot
Most visitors arrive on foot while exploring Sultanahmet—pair your visit with Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Arasta Bazaar for a thoughtful loop.
Why visit the Basilica Cistern
Byzantine engineering in a poetic half‑light, Medusa heads in quiet corners, a forest of columns mirrored by water, and a calm rhythm that slows the city’s tempo.
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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
Forest of Columns
336 columns lift a dim, serene hall—reflections double the forest, and soft ripples draw patterns of light on brick vaults.
Medusa Heads
Two Medusa blocks—one tilted, one inverted—whisper of ancient spolia and practical craft: reuse, align, support, and let legend do the rest.
Weeping Column
A column etched with tear‑like motifs glistens with moisture—memory of workers, water, and time, held quietly in stone.
Basilica Cistern basics at a glance
Simple, friendly planning for a beautiful, hush‑filled visit.
Plan your underground moment
Arrive early or late for gentler crowds and deeper calm.
Pair the cistern with Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Archaeology Museums for a rich, walkable day.