: Tours and Excursion

History & Origins

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Sarnici, is an ancient underground water storage facility built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. It was constructed to provide water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill. The cistern's name derives from a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, that once stood above it.

This engineering marvel was largely forgotten after the Ottoman conquest but was rediscovered in the 16th century by scholar Petrus Gyllius, who noticed locals retrieving water through holes in their basements. The cistern could hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, transported via aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest 19 kilometers north of the city.

Restoration work in the 20th century revealed its full dimensions: 138 meters long and 64.6 meters wide, with a capacity reduced to about 10,000 cubic meters today. The cistern's 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28, were mostly recycled from older Roman structures, creating a forest-like appearance.

Architecture & Features

The cistern's ceiling consists of cross-vaulted brick arches supported by columns with various capitals, including Ionic, Corinthian, and unadorned styles. The columns vary in height to accommodate the sloping terrain, with the tallest reaching 9 meters. Waterproof mortar covers the walls and floor, which is made of thick brick masonry.

Two famous column bases feature carved Medusa heads, one placed sideways and the other upside down, likely taken from a Roman temple. The purpose of their unusual positioning remains debated - some suggest practical reuse of materials, while others propose symbolic protection against evil spirits.

Legends & Facts

Local legend claims the sideways Medusa head was positioned that way to prevent visitors from being turned to stone by her gaze. Another story suggests the upside-down head represents the inversion of pagan symbols during Christian rule.

During the 1990s, workers discovered thousands of goldfish living in the cistern's waters, likely introduced to control mosquito larvae. These were removed during later restorations to preserve the structure.

The cistern appears in the 1963 James Bond film 'From Russia with Love,' where Bond rows through its columns during a chase scene. This cinematic appearance helped boost international awareness of the site.

Tourist Tips

Follow the raised walkways that wind between the columns, allowing views of the illuminated pillars reflected in the shallow water. The atmospheric lighting changes color periodically, creating different moods throughout the day. The far northeast corner offers the best view of the Medusa heads.

Nearby

• Hagia Sophia - The iconic Byzantine cathedral turned mosque turned museum, just 200 meters north.
• Topkapi Palace - The sprawling Ottoman imperial residence with treasury displays.
• Sultanahmet Mosque - Known as the Blue Mosque for its exquisite tile work.
• Istanbul Archaeological Museum - Houses artifacts from across Turkey's history.
• Grand Bazaar - One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

Practical FAQ for Travelers

What are the opening hours?

Open daily from 9:00 to 18:30, with extended hours in summer months.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, tickets cost approximately 30 Turkish Lira (about 3 Euro) for foreign visitors.

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes exploring the cistern's walkways.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography without flash is permitted throughout the cistern.

Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?

The entrance has stairs, but an elevator is available upon request for accessibility.

What's the best time to visit?

Mornings or late afternoons are less crowded than midday peak hours.