The Basilica Cistern, a 1,500-year-old subterranean Roman water reservoir, is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time. This awe-inspiring structure, built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 542 AD, is located in the heart of the ancient city, just steps away from its famed neighbor, the Hagia Sophia.
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Basilica Cistern: Istanbul’s Ancient Underground Marvel (With Medusa Heads!)
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, officially transitioned to its current name in 1930, when Turkey requested all foreign countries to refer to the city as “Istanbul” in international communications. Today, Istanbul has expanded far beyond the boundaries of ancient Constantinople, now covering an area roughly 400 times larger than its predecessor.
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, has a rich history that traces back to its founding as Byzantium by Greek settlers in the 7th century BCE. While strategically located, the city faced a significant challenge: a lack of natural freshwater sources. The Greeks pioneered an aqueduct system to bring water from nearly 20 kilometers away, a practice that the Romans and Byzantines later expanded upon.
When the Roman Empire transformed Byzantium into Constantinople, its population and importance grew, demanding a more extensive water infrastructure. This need led to the construction of the Aqueduct of Valens in the 4th century AD, which carried water from springs over 250 kilometers away, making it one of the longest water channels of the ancient world.
The Network of Underground Cisterns
To store and manage the water delivered by aqueducts, the Romans and Byzantines developed an intricate network of over 150 underground cisterns throughout the city. These reservoirs ensured a steady supply for daily use and critical structures like palaces and public baths. Among these, the Basilica Cistern stands out as the largest and best-preserved, showcasing the advanced engineering that sustained Constantinople for centuries.
Physical Properties
The cistern is made up of a large open space of 138 meters in length and 64.6 meters in width. It has a capacity of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. For Americans, that is 452 feet in length and 212 feet in width. It has a capacity of holding up to 21,133,764 gallons of water.
The cistern has a total of 336 columns that are 9 meters tall and arranged in 12 rows of 28. Each column is topped by a Corinthian-style capital, which supports the brick arches that form the ceiling. The columns were salvaged from various ancient structures, and it is estimated that some of them date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
Basilica Cistern Medusa heads
One of the most notable features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads, which are placed at the base of two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern.
The heads are believed to have been brought from a pagan temple and are thought to have been used as column pedestals.
Hen’s Eye column
Another interesting feature of the cistern is the Hen’s Eye column, which is named after a small hole in its base that is said to resemble the eye of a hen. The column is believed to have been used for divination purposes during the Byzantine period.
Overall, the Basilica Cistern is a remarkable engineering feat that has stood the test of time. Its columns and arches create a mesmerizing atmosphere, and its historical and architectural significance make it a must-see destination for visitors to Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern’s “Night Shift” experience offers a unique way to explore this historic marvel. Running from 19:30 to 22:00, it transforms the space into a magical setting with dramatic lighting and an enchanting atmosphere.
Other notable cisterns in Istanbul
The water infrastructure in Constantinople relied on a sophisticated system of aqueducts, cisterns, and pipes to supply water to the city’s residents. The aqueducts brought water from sources outside the city walls, such as the Belgrade Forest and the hills of Thrace, and transported it into the city through a series of underground channels.
In addition to the Basilica Cistern, there are two other notable cisterns in Istanbul that were built during the Byzantine period and can still be visited today:
The Binbirdirek Cistern
The second largest cistern in the city, located a stone throw’s away from Basilica is The Cistern of Philoxenos, also known as the Binbirdirek Cistern. It is an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering, a subterranean reservoir situated in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, between the Forum of Constantine and the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
Despite its rich history and fascinating architecture, the cistern remains relatively unknown to tourists and was surprisingly empty on a recent visit on May 6th, 2023, despite the area being bustling with visitors.
Entrance Fee: 200 TL (About 10 Euros or Dollars)
The Theodosius Cistern
This cistern is located near the Basilica Cistern and was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century AD and to supply water to the nearby palace complex. The cistern has a rectangular shape and is supported by 32 columns. It is much smaller in size than the Basilica Cistern, but still contains several interesting features, such as a well-preserved section of the original roof.
Cultural Significance of Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is considered an important cultural and historical landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It represents the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering and architecture, and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The cistern has also been featured in various works of literature, art, and popular culture, further cementing its significance in the city’s cultural identity.
In addition to its historical and cultural value, the cistern also serves as a popular tourist attraction and an important source of revenue for the local economy, which has really not been doing so well lately.
Basilica Cistern tickets price
Daytime Admission
💸 Price: 1300 TL (34 Euros)
🕘 Hours: 09:00 – 18:30
Night Shift Events
💸 Price: 2000 TL (52 Euros)
🕢 Hours: 19:30 – 23:50
🎵 Includes (occasionally): Exclusive music concerts & special activities!
Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid here.
Guided Museum Pass is valid here.
Official website: yerebatansarnici.com
Practical Tips
Here are some tips for travelers visiting the Basilica Cistern today:
- Book your ticket online. And consider a tour guide, it can make a huge difference. Especially when the guide is good! We can help you find one.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Basilica Cistern has an iron walkway, but it can still be slippery and uneven in some areas. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you navigate the cistern more easily.
- Visit at off-peak hours: The Basilica Cistern is quite popular, so consider visiting during off-peak hours (early in the morning or late in the afternoon) to avoid long lines and crowds.
- Take your time: The Basilica Cistern is a unique and fascinating attraction, so take your time to explore and appreciate its beauty. The walkway can be slippery in some areas, so take your time and watch your step.
Conclusion
As we journey through the echoing corridors of history, the Basilica Cistern stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of past civilizations. This ancient subterranean wonder, nestled in the heart of Istanbul, is not just a relic of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires; it is a living museum, echoing stories of survival, innovation, and cultural amalgamation. Its survival through centuries of turmoil and change is a tribute to the resilience of human creativity and engineering.
From being a crucial water reserve for a thriving empire to falling into obscurity, and then resurrecting as a cherished historical site, the Basilica Cistern has witnessed the ebb and flow of time. Today, it serves not only as a mesmerizing tourist attraction but also as a bridge connecting us to the mysterious and grandiose world of our ancestors. Its dimly lit, water-filled expanse, supported by colossal columns and crowned by the enigmatic Medusa heads, continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.
Looking for a private professional tour guide in Istanbul? Basilica Cistern is best enjoyed with a great guide.
Basilica Cistern guided tour
A guided tour of the Basilica Cistern can provide you with a deeper understanding of the Roman and Byzantine history and architecture. English-language guided tours are available for an additional fee.
Simply glorious! Loved every second of being there last year. Hope to come back soon ❤️❤️
Thanks for the comment Nadia. Basilica Cistern really is gorgeous. Hope you make it back soon! 🙂
Hey there The Other Tour team! Looking for a private tour guide for my legal team (50 pax). We are having our conference in Istanbul. We are staying at the swissotel the bosphorus in istanbul so would like to start/end there is possible.
Thanks a lot for the comment. Just sent you a private email. We hope you’d like it.