Fascinating Facts About the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern, is one of the most fascinating historical sites in Istanbul, Turkey. Built-in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, this massive underground water reservoir was used to provide water to the city in times of drought and siege. Today, the cistern is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit spot for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will explore some fascinating facts about the Basilica Cistern, its history, and its significance.

History of the Basilica Cistern

History of the Basilica Cistern
  • The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
  • It is located beneath the ancient city of Constantinople, now Istanbul, and was used to store and supply water to the city's residents.
  • The cistern measures 140 meters by 70 meters and is capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water.
  • It was constructed using a combination of materials, including brick and stone, and features 336 marble columns, each measuring 9 meters high.
  • Many of the columns were recycled from earlier Roman structures and feature intricate carvings and decorations.
  • Over the centuries, the cistern suffered damage from earthquakes, fires, and neglect.
  • It was rediscovered by the French archaeologist Petrus Gyllius in the 16th century.
  • The cistern has undergone several restorations and is now open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction.


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Interesting Facts About the Basilica Cistern

Interesting Facts About the Basilica Cistern
  • The cistern was built using recycled materials. Many of the marble columns used in the construction were recycled from earlier Roman structures, and some of the carvings on the columns are believed to be of Christian origin.
  • The cistern is capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, enough to supply the city of Istanbul for several months.
  • The cistern features 336 marble columns, each measuring 9 meters high. Some of the columns have been damaged over the centuries, but most have been restored.
  • The cistern was used as a location in the James Bond movie "From Russia with Love," as well as in Dan Brown's novel "Inferno."
  • The cistern is home to a number of species of fish, including carp and eel, which swim in the shallow water.
  • The cistern is famous for its two Medusa heads, which are located at the base of two of the columns. It is believed that the heads were placed there to ward off evil spirits.
  • The cistern was used as a location for the video game "Assassin's Creed: Revelations."


Also Read - History Basilica Cistern

Know Before You Go Basilica Cistern

Essential Information
Essential Information

How To Reach:

By Metro:

  • Take the Marmaray or T1 metro line to the Sultanahmet Station.
  • From the station, the Basilica Cistern is about a 10-minute walk away.

By Tram:

  • Take the T1 tram line to the Sultanahmet Tram Station.
  • From the station, the cistern is about a 5-minute walk away.

By Car:

  • The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district, which has limited car access due to its narrow streets and historic buildings.
  • There are paid parking lots near the area, but it is recommended to park elsewhere and use public transportation to reach the cistern.

By Bus:

  • Take the Istanbul City Lines bus to the Eminönü or Sirkeci station.
  • From there, the cistern is about a 15-minute walk away.


Location - Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye


Best Time To Visit - The best time to visit the Basilica Cistern is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. The cistern is open year-round, but during the peak season of summer (June-August), it can get very crowded and hot inside. It's best to avoid visiting during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest, and instead, opt for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.


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