Basilica Cistern Tickets + Audio Guide
Description
The Basilica Cistern, an essential attraction in Istanbul, invites visitors to explore its remarkable atmosphere. By securing this ticket, you will stroll through a space supported by 336 columns, all while enjoying its striking illumination. An English audio guide is included for your convenience!
Exploring the Basilica Cistern
Istanbul boasts numerous architectural treasures, and the Basilica Cistern is certainly among the most significant. Positioned in the city’s core, this Sunken Palace serves as a gateway to the ancient history of Constantinople, featuring passageways adorned with columns that will leave you in awe.
With this entry to the Basilica Cistern, you can experience it after dark in Istanbul. The English audio guide provides insights into how Emperor Justinian I commissioned its construction in 532 AD to supply water to Hagia Sophia. As you navigate through the site, you will be captivated by its famous 336 columns stretched along the seemingly infinite corridors.
Within the Basilica Cistern, numerous intriguing elements await, from the ancient Roman reservoirs to the detailed craftsmanship of its columns. You will also uncover how the Ottoman Empire interacted with this Sunken Palace and discover the famous films shot in its captivating setting, including Inferno and From Russia with Love.
Types of Tickets & Timings
When reserving your ticket, you will choose a designated time; however, you can visit the Basilica Cistern any time during these operational hours:
- Daytime hours: from 9 am to 6:30 pm
- Evening hours: from 7:30 pm to 10 pm
Generally, a visit to the Basilica Cistern lasts around 40 minutes, but feel free to remain as long as you wish inside.
What's included
- Admission to the Basilica Cistern
- Audio guide in English
Cancellation policy
Non rimborsabile
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
You'll receive an email with your QR code ticket and instructions on how to download the audioguide to your phone after 6 pm the day before your visit. If you've booked for today, we'll send that email over to you right away.
On the day of the activity, you must show your official ticket at the entrance of the Basilica Cistern, located at the following address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
Although a specific time appears on your booking, you may enter the Basilica Cistern at any time within the following hours:
- Daytime admission: 9 am – 6:30 pm
- Evening admission: 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Please note that a visit to the Basilica Cistern usually lasts approximately 40 minutes, although you may stay inside for as long as you wish.
Important Info
- Please be aware that the floor inside the Basilica Cistern can be slippery, so we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
- The Basilica Cistern is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is very limited internet and cell signal inside the Cistern, so we strongly recommend downloading the audio guide ahead of time.
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