There are many buildings in Istanbul that stand out with both their historical texture and cultural richness. Basilica Cistern is also among these important historical heritages. This structure, which fascinates its visitors with its magnificent appearance, bears traces from the Byzantine period. The cistern, which has 336 columns, stands out with its feature of trapping a total of one hundred thousand tons of water within its body. This building, which was built by Justinian, the Emperor of the Byzantine Era, in 532, covers an area of approximately 9800 square meters. This cistern, one of the most important water structures in history, was built to meet the water needs of the city of Istanbul.
This important structure, built in the Byzantine period, was used until the Ottoman period, but the use of this cistern was stopped after the structure was established to meet the water needs of the Ottoman Empire. Each of the columns in the cistern has an average height of nine meters. Istanbul is generally at the forefront among touristic cities with its historical structures and natural beauties. Naturally, when Istanbul is mentioned, many historical buildings come to mind. One of these structures is the Basilica Cistern, which stands out with its magnificent appearance. Every year, many local and foreign tourists from outside the city come to the city to see this important water cistern.
Where is Basilica Cistern?
Basilica Cistern is located in the city of Istanbul, located in the Marmara Region. Located in the Sultanahmet District of the Fatih district on the European Side of Istanbul, this historical cistern fascinates its guests with its magnificent view. The main reason why this structure is called Basilica is due to the columns emerging from the water. This cistern, whose use was stopped during the Ottoman period, now serves as a museum. Additionally, many various events are organized in the area where this building is located. Since it continues its activities as a museum, it is possible to see many different historical artifacts closely when you come here. Especially the mosaics and coins that reflect the traces of the Byzantine period are quite dazzling. If you enjoy visiting historical places, we recommend you to visit this important museum when you come to Istanbul.
How to Get to Basilica Cistern?
There are many different alternatives for transportation to the Basilica Cistern, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. First of all, let's start talking about transportation options for visitors who want to come from Istanbul. Those coming from both the Anatolian and European sides of Istanbul with their own car can easily reach there by using the navigation service. Those who do not want to come with a private vehicle or visitors who do not have a private vehicle can benefit from public transportation. Those coming from regions on the European Side such as Bağcılar, Eminönü, Güngören can consider the tram transportation option. Those who plan to come by tram line should get off at the Sultanahmet stop.
Visitors who want to come from the Anatolian Side of Istanbul can go directly to Eminönü by ferry and from there use the tram line to reach the point where the cistern is located. If you do not want to choose the ferry, you can also reach Eminönü by public transportation such as bus. Visitors from outside Istanbul can easily arrive by looking at the directions on the navigation page, if they have special care. Those who do not want to come with a private car or who do not have a private car can choose intercity buses or air transportation, depending on their location. It is possible to reach Istanbul from every point of our country by intercity buses. The closest bus station to the location of the Basilica Cistern is the Grand Istanbul Bus Terminal in the Fatih district.
You can easily get there by choosing one of the intercity bus companies that go to the Grand Istanbul Bus Terminal from your location and purchasing a bus ticket. Travel duration and ticket prices may vary depending on the starting point. Visitors who want to travel by plane can choose Istanbul Airport, which is the closest location to the region and is located in the Arnavutköy district of Istanbul. For this, you can research the airline companies that organize flights to this region from the city you live in. You can travel by purchasing a flight ticket from your preferred airline company and have a pleasant journey. After landing at the airport, you can use public transportation or taxi services to go to Fatih.
Is Basilica Cistern Paid?
To visit the Basilica Cistern, which impresses with its historical texture and magnificent appearance, you must pay a certain fee at the entrance. Entrance fee per person may differ each season. However, the current entrance fee is 55 TL per person. This entrance fee is valid for domestic tourists. For foreign tourists The entrance fee per person is 330 TL. We would like to underline that if you are a teacher or a student, you will pay a lower entrance fee of 22 and a half TL. Basilica Cistern is open to visitors every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday. This important historical place opens its doors to its visitors starting from 09.00 in the morning and closes its doors at 22.00 at night. It is one of the places that is open every day except the first day of religious holidays.
