Introduction to the Basilica Cistern Entrance Guide
Basilica Cistern Entrance Guide
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Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
How to Get There:
- By Tram- Take the T1 line and get off at the Sultanahmet Square, located at a distance of about 2.3 kilometres from the Basilica Cistern.
- By Bus- Use buses BN1 or TB2 and get down at Sultanahmet Square stop. From there, you can take a taxi to reach the Basilica Cistern in 23 minutes.
- By Train- Take the Marmaray Line (Atakoy-Pendik or Halkali-Gebze) and alight at Sirkeci or Sultanahmet Square. You can take a taxi from the square to reach the Basilica Cistern in 23 minutes.
- By Metro- If you wish to travel by metro, you can ride the M2 line to Sultanahmet Square station and then take a taxi to reach the attraction.
- By Car- Basilica Cistern is located at a distance of 550 metres from the city centre. You can drive your car via Zeynep Sultan Cami Sk. and Alemdar Cd. to the attraction in 3 minutes.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6.30 pm, 7.30 pm to 10 pm
Best Time to Enter: The best time to enter the Basilica Cistern is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During this time, the weather is mild in Istanbul and the crowds are less, so you can explore the attraction at your own pace. As far as the time of the week is concerned, weekdays are considered to be a better time to visit the cistern than weekends. It is also best to go either early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowded hours.
The standard ticket price for Basilica Cistern is TL 90 (INR 193) per person for local Turkish visitors and TL 600 (INR 1,283) per person for international visitors. You can buy the tickets at the ticket booth on arrival or book them online in advance to skip the long waiting lines and get direct access to the attraction. The Istanbul Museum Pass does not work at the Basilica Cistern, so you need to purchase a separate ticket for the cistern. You can also book Basilica Cistern entrance guide tours to learn more from the guide.
The Basilica Cistern is one of the busiest attractions in Istanbul, so waiting times can vary. In the summer months, long queues are common, and you may wait 30 to 60 minutes to enter. On the other hand, lines are much shorter during the winter season, which makes the entry faster and easier. To save time, it is best to arrive either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are smaller. Another smart option is to book tickets online or choose skip-the-line passes to avoid standing in long lines and enjoy more time exploring the cistern.
Basilica Cistern Essentials: At a Glance, Tips & What to Expect
When you step inside the Basilica Cistern, the first thing that you will notice is the cool air and the dim and mysterious lighting. The sound of dripping water echoes through the hall and creates a calm but slightly eerie feeling. You will see 336 tall marble columns that seem like a stone forest underground. Among them, look for the famous Upside-Down Medusa Heads, which serve as the base of two columns. According to folklore, they were placed sideways and upside down to protect the cistern from evil.
Another highlight of the attraction is the Weeping Column, also called the Hen’s Eye or Peacock’s Eye. It has carvings of branches and teardrops, said to honour the 7,000 slaves who built the cistern. You will also notice the water ripple effect as drops fall into shallow pools and reflect light on the ancient stone.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the floors at the Basilica Cistern are wet and slippery.
- Walk slowly and carefully, as you need to go down about 52 stairs to reach the cistern.
- Carry a light sweater or cardigan to keep yourself comfortable in the damp and cool underground area of the Basilica Cistern.
- Arrive at the attraction early in the morning, as it is calmer and less crowded at this time.
- Book your tickets online in advance to skip the long queues at the ticket counter and get direct access to the attraction.
- Choose the Basilica Cistern entrance guide tour to learn more about the Medusa Heads and the history of the cistern.
- Follow photography rules at the designated areas, and do not use tripods, flash, or big equipment.
Basilica Cistern at a Glance
The Basilica Cistern is a famous underground water reservoir in Istanbul, built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. It is located beneath Sultanahmet Square, near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Today, it is one of the most-visited attractions in Istanbul, which attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Since it is a popular attraction in Istanbul, knowing the entry details is very important. You may experience long queues at the ticket counter, so arriving early or booking tickets online can save time. You should also check opening hours and accessibility information before going. A little planning to enter the cistern allows you to enjoy a smooth visit to this mysterious underground wonder.
FAQs
Is Basilica Cistern wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. They can use a special entrance near the tram line on Alemdar Street, located at the cistern’s exit. The paths inside are flat, which makes it easier to move past the stairs safely and explore the exhibits. Staff members are also available to assist the guest at the entrance.
How long should I plan for the visit?
You should plan 30 minutes to 1 hour for your visit to the Basilica Cistern. This timeframe allows you to explore the atmospheric underground space, admire the columns, and see the famous Medusa Heads at a comfortable pace. If you love photography or history, you can stay a little longer to see the glowing water and reflections.
Can I buy Basilica Cistern tickets online?
Yes, you can buy Basilica Cistern tickets online in advance, as it helps you skip the long ticket queues at the entrance and get direct access to the attraction. You can either book it from the official website or through Thrillophilia, which offers several options, like skip-the-line tickets, combo packages, and discounts. When you book the tickets online, you can save both time and money and get clear choices of packages and guided tours.
Are guided tours available at the entrance?
Yes, the Basilica Cistern entrance guide tours are available at the attraction. You can join an expert-led tour with an English-speaking guide, or use an audio guide. The audio app is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Turkish. Through these tours, you can learn about the cistern’s role in the Byzantine Empire and make your trip meaningful.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Basilica Cistern. You can take pictures of the columns, water reflections, and the Medusa Heads. However, tripods, large equipment, and flash are not allowed, as they block the paths. The floor can be wet and slippery, so you should walk with care while taking photos.
Beyond the Basilica Cistern