History and archaeology / Aqueduct and cistern
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
Fatih, İstanbul
A giant 6th-century Byzantine underground reservoir where hundreds of columns rise from the water in dim light.
Safety warning
Its story
It was built in the 6th century, in the reign of Emperor Justinian I, to meet the water needs of the Great Palace and its surroundings. The roughly 140-meter-long cistern has 336 columns supporting brick vaults. The Medusa heads used at the bases of two of the columns attract attention as spolia taken from other buildings. The structure continued to supply water to the wells of nearby houses in the Ottoman period and, after being long forgotten, became known again in the 16th century through the account of a European traveler. After a restoration completed in 2022, it reopened with a lighting design and exhibition areas.
Key facts
- Period
- Byzantine, 6th century
- Admission
- Operated by the General Directorate of Foundations; check the current fee at the ticket office (the İBB-era tariff is no longer valid)
- Getting there
- T1 tram, Sultanahmet stop
- Visit duration
- 30–45 minutes
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Rainy day
- Traveling with kids
Location
41.00840, 28.97792
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
Reviews
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerebatan_Sarn%C4%B1c%C4%B1 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern | https://yerebatan.com/