Attraction
Hagia Sophia
Justinian's sixth-century domed basilica, now the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, with a separate visitor route through its upper galleries above the prayer hall.
Basilica Cistern
A sixth-century underground reservoir near Hagia Sophia, with 336 marble columns, two Medusa-head column bases and atmospheric lighting after its 2022 restoration.
At a glance
- Type
- Byzantine cistern
- Area
- Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:00–22:00
- Official site
- yerebatan.com
Good to know
- Open daily
- Late opening
Why we recommend it
Built in the reign of Justinian in the sixth century, the Basilica Cistern stored water for the Great Palace and the surrounding city. Walkways now thread between 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows and many of them reused from older buildings, while shallow water reflects the low lighting. In the far corner, two column bases are carved with the faces of Medusa, whose origin remains a mystery.
A long restoration and earthquake-strengthening project finished in 2022, adding new walkways and art installations. The cistern opens every day until late evening, which makes it a good choice after the mosques and palaces close. Expect queues at peak times; going after dark is usually calmer.
Basilica Cistern FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The cistern is open every day from 09:00 to 22:00.
What is the Medusa connection?
Two column bases in the north-west corner reuse carved Medusa heads, one sideways and one upside down; where they came from is unknown.