A great place to visit during the summer to get respite from the summer heat. The line is usually not too long, but it is worth the wait. Take your time strolling through the old columns of the cistern, and make sure to head all...More















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About Basilica Cistern
1 - 10 of 12,915 reviews
A great place to visit during the summer to get respite from the summer heat. The line is usually not too long, but it is worth the wait. Take your time strolling through the old columns of the cistern, and make sure to head all...More

This place was amazing.If you are in Istanbul please put it on the list of places to see.Well worth the visit.

After exploring the mosques, museums, and shops, the Basilica Cistern can serve as a break in the routine in Istanbul. Easy to find since it's right in the tourist section, the admission price seems a bit high for the scenery but it is historic (over...More

Words cannot describe this place. Suffice it to say that it has been used for James Bond movies and the one of the Davinci code movies with Tom Hanks. It is a place of mystery and it took our breath away. Then, there is Hagia...More

The Basilica Cistern is worthwhile visiting. Easy to find, there could be a line-up for tickets but we visited early and were surprised at what it offered - a look into the past - from memory it was built in 532 or thereabouts. Huge pillars...More

Yes, price is a little bit high. And yes, you will be there max. 30 min. But trust me, it is worth it. I never saw something that is so old, fantastic, romantic and a little bit scary. For me, without thinking, that was one...More




Not much inside of it.. Big fish, slippery floor, cold dark sorrounding and medusa head. 20 lira Entrance.


We chose to go on a rainy day and found this very interesting. The size and scale was amazing as was the amount of columns. The floor can be wet so chose non-slip sole on footwear.

The cistern is awe inspiring. A marvellous architectural remnant of ancient Byzantium. My girlfriend and I were truly excited to visit, highlighting it prior to arrival as one of the must see attractions. However, our experience was disappointing. The entrance way can easily be confused...More

Although the greatness of this estabilishment makes you feel so small, the kindness of the people around is unmatched by any other place we've seen. Look at the base of the column and you'll see the reversed human head, very interesting also the wet columns...More















