Basilica Cistern visitor guide: the Medusa heads, 336 columns and your visit
- Cisterns
- Sultanahmet, Fatih
- Depends on the visitor
Family hotels closest to Basilica Cistern
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Sareban Hotel
Basilica Cistern: 14 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
Visitor information
| Type | Byzantine cistern |
|---|---|
| Built | 532 (reign of Justinian I) |
| Commissioned by / architect | Emperor Justinian I |
| Neighbourhood | Sultanahmet, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Open daily from morning to evening; on some evenings there is a separately ticketed night session |
| Admission | Paid; a discounted rate applies to Turkish citizens and Istanbul residents. Run by the municipality; the Müzekart is not accepted. |
| Müzekart (Turkish museum card) | Not accepted |
| Time needed | 30–45 min |
| Getting there | T1 Sultanahmet stop, 2 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | Right next to the square |
| Pushchair / stroller | Partly suitable. You go down to the cistern by stairs; the walkway inside is level. Ask the staff at the entrance about strollers; a baby carrier is easier |
| Best time | At opening time or in the late afternoon; queues get long at midday |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
History of the Basilica Cistern
The cistern was built beneath a large basilica (the Stoa Basilica) that stood here in Byzantine times, which is why it is called the “Basilica Cistern” in English. About 140 metres long and 70 metres wide, it holds 336 columns, each 9 metres tall. Water was carried here by aqueducts and channels from the Belgrade Forest.
Used in the Ottoman period to water the gardens of Topkapı Palace, the cistern was forgotten in later centuries. The building, which locals called “Yerebatan Sarayı”, the “sunken palace”, was opened to visitors in 1987 after a thorough cleaning and repair. After earthquake strengthening and restoration work that began in 2017, it reopened in 2022 with new lighting and works of art.
The Medusa heads and other details
- The Medusa heads: The bases of two columns in the north-west corner of the cistern are Medusa heads, one laid on its side and one upside down. The heads are thought to have been brought from another ancient building; why they were placed this way is not known for certain.
- The weeping column: Decorated with carvings that look like teardrops and always damp, this column is a popular place to make a wish.
- The fish: The fish living in the shallow water of the cistern are the detail children love most.
- Art and light: Since the restoration, contemporary sculptures have been displayed in the cistern, and the lighting changes at intervals.
Tickets and how visits work
The Basilica Cistern is run by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and the Müzekart is not accepted. Turkish citizens and Istanbul residents get a discounted rate, and the ticket for foreign visitors is higher. On some evenings a separately ticketed night session is held for a quieter visit. There is often a queue at the ticket office; buying online saves time.
The Basilica Cistern with children
The dim light, the reflections of the columns in the water and the fish make the cistern feel like a “secret underground palace” to children. It stays cool even in summer; because it is damp, the floor can be slippery, so hold small children by the hand. You can combine the cistern with Hagia Sophia opposite in the same morning, and if you want a less crowded alternative, take a look at the Şerefiye Cistern.
Visiting tips
- Visit the cistern before going into Hagia Sophia: the queue is shorter in the morning.
- Take photos without flash; in the dim light your phone’s night mode works better.
- The floor is damp and slippery in places; wear non-slip shoes.
- Think of it as a midday break in the summer heat: it is noticeably cooler inside than outside.
Our family hotels near Basilica Cistern
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Basilica Cistern: 14 min walk (960 m) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Basilica Cistern: 14 min walk (990 m) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Basilica Cistern: 14 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Basilica Cistern: 14 min walk (1 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
Is the Müzekart accepted at the Basilica Cistern?
No. The Basilica Cistern is run by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and has its own ticket; Turkish citizens and Istanbul residents get a discounted rate.
How long does it take to visit the Basilica Cistern?
A comfortable visit takes 30–45 minutes. Add another 30 minutes for the queue at midday.
Why are the Medusa heads upside down?
There is no definitive explanation. The most common view is that the heads were brought from another ancient building and used as bases to reach the right height for the columns, and were placed on their side and upside down to break the power of Medusa’s gaze.
