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
- Walkways over the water
Why we recommend it
The Basilica Cistern was built in the sixth century, in the reign of Emperor Justinian, to store water for the Great Palace and the surrounding area of Constantinople. Its popular Turkish name, Yerebatan Sarayı, means the sunken palace, and walking down into it from the busy street near Hagia Sophia still feels like entering another world.
The cistern is a vast underground hall supported by 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows. Many of the columns were reused from older buildings, so their capitals and shafts vary. Walkways run above the shallow water, which reflects the low lighting and the forest of columns. In the north-west corner, two column bases are carved with heads of Medusa, one placed sideways and one upside down; nobody knows for certain where they came from or why they were set this way. Look out too for the so-called Hen's Eye column, carved with a pattern of eyes and tear-like shapes.
A long restoration and earthquake-strengthening project was completed in 2022, adding new walkways and lighting, and the cistern now hosts contemporary art installations among the columns. It is open every day of the week, from 09:00 to 22:00, which makes it one of the few major sights in Sultanahmet you can visit in the evening.
Plan on 30 to 45 minutes. Queues can be long at peak times in the middle of the day, so either come at opening or visit after dark, when the atmosphere is at its best and the line is often shorter. It is cool and slightly damp underground, which is welcome in summer, and the walkways can be slippery, so wear shoes with grip. Steps lead down into the cistern, which is worth bearing in mind if you have limited mobility.
The cistern appeals to almost everyone, including children, who tend to enjoy the Medusa heads and the gloom. The entrance is on Yerebatan Caddesi, south-west of Hagia Sophia, a few minutes' walk from Sultanahmet tram stop on the T1 line. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace are all close by, and Divan Yolu, with its cafés and köfte houses, starts just around the corner.
Basilica Cistern FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The cistern is open every day from 09:00 to 22:00.
How many columns are there?
336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows.
What is the Medusa connection?
Two column bases in the north-west corner reuse carved Medusa heads, one sideways and one upside down; their origin is unknown.
When was it built?
In the sixth century, during the reign of Emperor Justinian.
When is the best time to visit?
At opening time or in the evening, when queues are usually shorter.
How long should I allow?
Around 30 to 45 minutes.
Is it suitable for people with limited mobility?
There are steps down into the cistern and the walkways can be slippery, so it may be difficult.
Where is the entrance?
On Yerebatan Caddesi, just south-west of Hagia Sophia, a few minutes from Sultanahmet tram stop.