Basilica Cistern Verified listing

The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir located near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was designed to store and supply water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. This vast subterranean chamber is supported by 336 marble columns, many repurposed from earlier Roman structures, creating a mysterious and atmospheric space often referred to as the "Sunken Palace."

Visitors to the Basilica Cistern can walk along raised wooden platforms that wind through the dimly lit, cool interior, offering stunning views of the columns reflected in the shallow water below. Notable features include the two Medusa heads used as column bases, whose origins and symbolic meanings remain subjects of fascination and legend. The cistern’s eerie ambiance and architectural ingenuity make it a unique attraction that blends history, art, and engineering.

The site is open to the public year-round with an admission fee required. It is easily accessible from central Istanbul and is a popular stop on many guided tours of the Sultanahmet area. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the cistern remains cool and damp inside regardless of the season. Photography is allowed, making it a favourite spot for those seeking atmospheric and dramatic images of Istanbul’s rich heritage.