Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)istanbul
The Sunken Palace
1 / 3
Overview
A giant underground water reservoir built in the 6th century, famous for its 336 marble columns and the mysterious Medusa head bases.
What To Expect?
A cool, damp, and atmospheric walk on raised wooden platforms above shallow water. The 'Hen's Eye' column and the two upside-down Medusa heads are the star attractions. Modern light installations have transformed the space into a surreal art gallery. The sound of dripping water and soft music creates a hauntingly beautiful vibe.
Tips
- Book online; the queue for paper tickets can be very long.
- Look for the carp swimming in the dark waters below the platforms.
Exploring Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
known For
Subterranean engineering and Medusa statues.
timings
Late evening visits are magical with the new lighting.
entry Fee
600 - 900 TRY depending on the hour.
best Time
Evening to avoid school tours.
required Time
1 Hour
restricted Items
Professional tripods require a permit.
Byzantine Waterworks
The cistern could hold 80,000 cubic meters of water, which was transported via aqueducts from Belgrade Forest to supply the Great Palace of Constantinople.
It was famously used as a filming location for James Bond's 'From Russia with Love'.
How to reach Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
Located across the street from Hagia Sophia.
Tips for Visiting Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), istanbul
- Book online; the queue for paper tickets can be very long.
- Look for the carp swimming in the dark waters below the platforms.
Nearby tourist spots of Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
Hagia Sophia
Milion Stone
FAQ Questions
Popular Religious Places to visit In India
Mathura
One of India's Seven Sacred CitiesVrindavan
A sacred site for the Hindu deity Krishna.Amritsar
The Spiritual Capital of PunjabVaranasi
Uttar Pradesh's Spiritual CapitalTirupati
Spiritual City in Andhra PradeshDwarka
One of the Char DhamsHaridwar
Ancient Pilgrimage Town in UttarakhandKedarnath
The Land of Lord ShivaPrayagraj (Allahabad)
Historical City with Sacred SitesPushkar
Quaint Temple Town in RajasthanGuwahati
Assam's Largest CityPuri
Famous Pilgrimage Site in OdishaRameshwaram
Beautiful Pilgrimage Site in Tamil NaduVisual Stories
6 Buddhist Destinations Outside India
Spiritual Global Journeys6 Peaceful Pilgrimage Routes Across India
Finding Inner PeaceTop Places to Feel the Silence in Indonesia
Balinese Zen & Beyond4 Travel Destinations in Northeast India
Unexplored Seven SistersTravel Spots That Feel Fresh After the Rain
Monsoon Magic DestinationsOffbeat Nature Breaks for the Season
Hidden Natural RetreatsTop Countries to Explore
Baku
The Commercial Hub of AzerbaijanBentota
Fun-Packed Beach Destination in Sri LankaHanoi
Vietnam's Culturally-Rich Capital CityIstanbul
Gateway to EuropeParis
The Timeless City of Light and RomanceMaldives
A Stunning Tropical GetawayKrabi
Tropical Paradise in ThailandParo
Scenic Small Town in BhutanBali
Tropical Beach ParadiseAbu Dhabi
One of the World's Richest CitiesMykonos
The Ultimate Party DestinationTokyo
A Bustling Metropolis in JapanBarcelona
The City of Art & ArchitectureFamous Historical Places in India
Fatehpur Sikri
Mughal-Era Imperial CityElephanta Caves
A Day Trip Down History's LaneKonark
The Historic Town of OdishaMahabodhi Temple
The masterpiece of brick architectureJaipur
The capital and the largest city of RajasthanHampi
Open Air Museum in KarnatakaGwalior
The Land of PalacesJodhpur
Ancient Capital of the Rajput RulersUdaipur
The City of Ancient Palaces & LakesKhajuraho
Home to intricate sculptures and awe-inspiring templesAjanta Caves
Rock-cut Buddhist Cave TemplesHumayun's Tomb
Domed Monument Surrounded by Symmetrical GardensAgra
Home for World's Finest Mughal MonumentsMysore
The Cultural Capital of KarnatakaShimla
Hub of Natural Bounties and Winter SportsVaranasi
Uttar Pradesh's Spiritual CapitalDarjeeling, West Bengal
Majestic Queen of the HillsAmritsar
The Spiritual Capital of PunjabNeemrana
Rajasthan's Magnificent Historical TownBest Tourist Attractions Outside India
Paris
The Timeless City of Light and RomanceTokyo
A Bustling Metropolis in JapanIstanbul
Gateway to EuropeBarcelona
The City of Art & ArchitectureBaku
The Commercial Hub of AzerbaijanHanoi
Vietnam's Culturally-Rich Capital CityAbu Dhabi
One of the World's Richest CitiesParo
Scenic Small Town in BhutanMaldives
A Stunning Tropical GetawayKrabi
Tropical Paradise in ThailandBali
Tropical Beach ParadiseMykonos
The Ultimate Party DestinationDa Nang
Scenic Coastal City in VietnamBentota
Fun-Packed Beach Destination in Sri LankaDubai
Ultramodern Desert City in the United Arab EmiratesSingapore
Complete Family DestinationDiscover More Places to Visit in India
Mathura
One of India's Seven Sacred CitiesVrindavan
A sacred site for the Hindu deity Krishna.Prayagraj (Allahabad)
Historical City with Sacred SitesPushkar
Quaint Temple Town in RajasthanAmritsar
The Spiritual Capital of PunjabDwarka
One of the Char DhamsVaranasi
Uttar Pradesh's Spiritual CapitalTirupati
Spiritual City in Andhra PradeshGuwahati
Assam's Largest CityHaridwar
Ancient Pilgrimage Town in UttarakhandKedarnath
The Land of Lord ShivaPuri
Famous Pilgrimage Site in OdishaRameshwaram
Beautiful Pilgrimage Site in Tamil NaduShimla
Hub of Natural Bounties and Winter SportsManali, Himachal Pradesh
Say hello to hippie villages and scenic valleys.Munnar, Kerala
Home of Rolling Tea Terrains & WaterfallsCoorg, Karnataka
Scenic Hill Station in KarnatakaDarjeeling, West Bengal
Majestic Queen of the HillsUdaipur
The City of Ancient Palaces & LakesJaipur
The capital and the largest city of RajasthanGoa
Popular for Beaches & NightlifeBest Places To Visit In Months
January
Best Winter Escapes & SnowFebruary
Season of Romance & SunMarch
Festive Vibes & Spring ColorsApril
Refreshing Hill Station RetreatsMay
Summer Escapes to High PeaksJune
High Altitude AdventuresJuly
Lush Green Monsoon MagicAugust
Backwaters & River CharmsSeptember
Post-Monsoon Nature TrailsOctober
Royal Heritage & FestivalsNovember
Desert Dunes & Ancient SitesDecember
Island Parties & Winter Sun