Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Basilica Cistern
A forest of columns underground
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Tcyagizefem · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 2
About Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) was built under Justinian in the 6th century to store water for the Great Palace. Walk on raised platforms among its 336 columns, reflected in the shallow water, to the two Medusa heads reused as column bases in the far corner. It reopened in 2022 after a major restoration, with lighting and art installations, and stays open into the evening.
Why it's on our list
- 6th-century cistern
- Two Medusa heads
- Open late
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Basilica Cistern before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Basilica Cistern are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- SultanahmetT1250 m3 min walk
- GülhaneT1400 m5 min walk
- ÇemberlitaşT1600 m8 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Ishakpaşa Caddesi350 m4 min walk
- Taxi rank, Çayıroğlu Sokağı700 m9 min walk
Key sights
- Hagia Sophia150 mWalk 2 minCycle 1 minCar or taxi 3 min
- Blue Mosque350 mWalk 5 minCycle 1 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Topkapı Palace500 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Grand Bazaar850 mWalk 11 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Spice Bazaar1.1 kmWalk 13 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Galata Bridge1.4 kmWalk 17 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque1.5 kmWalk 19 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Galata Tower1.9 kmWalk 24 minCycle 8 minCar or taxi 9 min
- İstiklal Avenue2.8 kmWalk 35 minCycle 11 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Taksim Square3.2 kmWalk 40 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)30 kmCar or taxi 94 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)35 kmCar or taxi 109 min