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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Dating from the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, this ‘Underground Palace’ is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns (reservoirs) built beneath Istanbul to provide water to the palaces of the Ottoman emperors. Illuminated, and decorated with marble columns and carved capitals from earlier churches, it’s a magical sight.   

The name derives from a great Basilica – the Stoa Basilica – that once stood here, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the Early Roman Age.

Don’t miss

Look out for the giant head of Medusa (you can’t miss it, really). This snake-headed Gorgona – a female monsters of the underworld in Greek mythology – would reportedly turn any who look at her into stone. It’s thought the statue was placed here to protect the structure – but no-one knows for sure.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the tram to the Sultanahmet station; it’s a short walk from there (just across from the Hagia Sophia).

Go as part organised guided tour. There’s little information on site, and expert-led guides will give you the history and insights you need to understand what you’re seeing.

There are quite a few stairs, and it can be slippery and dark, so wear shoes with some grip. On a hot summer’s day, the cistern is lovely and cool with its classical music and swimming carp (there to keep it clean).

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Half-day Tour: Imperial Istanbul - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar

Private Half-day Tour: Imperial Istanbul - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

Discover Imperial Istanbul on this private half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Hagia Sophia, which is today one of the most magnificent museums...

$90 | Rating 4.39 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Four Seasons Istanbul Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.3 miles]

Superbly staffed, relaxing oasis in an unbeatable location – the luxury choice in central Sultanahmet.

Official star rating:

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]

This stylish, friendly and affordable boutique hotel is in sights-packed Sultanahmet, perfect for first-time visitors.

Official star rating:

Yasmak Sultan Hotel

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]

Close to Istanbul’s top sights, this friendly hotel with a spa and rooftop restaurant is a dream for first-time visitors. And good value too.

Official star rating:

Sirkeci Mansion Hotel

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]

Convenient for the major sights and plugged into Turkish culture, this charming, historic hotel is ideal for families and first-timers.  

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Istanbul

Marmara Region, Turkey

Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.2 miles]

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this world-renowned 6th-century marvel encapsulates the essence of the lost Ottoman Empire. Initially a cathedral, it’s now a museum as well as a functioning mosque – and a must-see in Istanbul.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Blue Mosque

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]

The greatest of Istanbul’s Ottoman mosques, beautifully decorated with thousands of handmade ceramic tiles, the Blue Mosque combines Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic architecture.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of white museum with trees lining the entrance
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Museum of Turkish Islamic Arts

Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]

One of the world’s finest collections of Islamic-influenced glassware, rugs, ceramics, metal work and ethnographic items.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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Great Palace Mosaic Museum

Istanbul , Marmara Region , Turkey[0.5 miles]

Lovely, lively 5th and 6th-century AD mosaics depicting nature, animals and people from the palace of the first Byzantine Emperors.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.8 miles]

Super authentic spot near the Grand Bazaar where you can smoke nargile (a water pipe or hookah) and drink tea in the courtyard of a mosque from 1709.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Istanbul Modern

Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[2.4 miles]

A modern art museum housing the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. The Modern’s temporary exhibits by Turkish and international artists – often organized in collaboration with MoMA (New York) and the Centre Pompidou (Paris) – are particularly exceptional.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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