Basilica Cistern Tickets + Audio Guide

Name: Basilica Cistern Tickets + Audio Guide
Brand: Esperienze YallaYalla
SKU: CIV-214169
Price: 56.40 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 7.8 (171 reviews)

7.8 (171 reviews)

Entrance tickets

Guide in: Spanish, French, English, Italian, Portuguese

Description

The Basilica Cistern stands out as an essential destination in Istanbul. By securing this ticket, you'll have the chance to wander through its remarkable 336 columns and enjoy its distinctive lighting. An audio guide in English is included!

Exploration of the Basilica Cistern

Istanbul boasts an array of architectural treasures, with the Basilica Cistern being a prime example. Nestled in the city’s core, this Sunken Palace is vital for uncovering the past of ancient Constantinople, featuring underground passages adorned with awe-inspiring columns.

This ticket allows entry to the Basilica Cistern after dusk, enhancing your experience. With the aid of an English audio guide, you’ll discover how Emperor Justinian I commissioned its creation in 532 AD to ensure a water supply for Hagia Sophia. As you traverse the site, you'll be captivated by the stunning 336 columns lining the seemingly infinite corridors.

The Basilica Cistern is rich with intriguing elements, from its Roman reservoirs to the detailed artistry of its columns. You will also learn about its use during the Ottoman Empire and its appearances in films like Inferno and From Russia with Love.

Operating Hours

The Basilica Cistern welcomes visitors from 9 am to 6 pm.

Typically, a visit lasts around 40 minutes, but you are free to remain as long as you wish.

Key Information

The audio guide is accessible via your personal smartphone. Instructions for downloading will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Visitors must pass through security checks and may need to queue for the lift. Be aware that wait times can be prolonged during peak season.
Wheelchair and pushchair access is not available at the Basilica Cistern.
Being a historic site, the Basilica Cistern may undergo restoration or maintenance without prior notice due to its age and preservation needs.

What's included

Admission to the Basilica Cistern
Audio guide in English

Cancellation policy

Non rimborsabile

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Important information

This booking confirmation does NOT include admission tickets and is NOT valid for entry to the monuments. You will receive a QR code from the local team, Cosmic Tickets, starting at 6 pm on the day before the activity. If you made the reservation for the same day, this code will be sent immediately. You will need to present this QR code along with the Civitatis booking confirmation at the entrance to the Basilica Cistern to pick up your tickets and audio guide, located at the following address: Alemdar, Yerebatan St. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.

Opening Hours

You can enter the Basilica Cistern at any time between 9 am and 6 pm.

Please note that a visit to the Basilica Cistern usually lasts about 40 minutes, although you are welcome to stay inside as long as you like.

Important Info

Please note that the floor of the Basilica Cistern can be slippery, so we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
Internet access inside the Basilica Cistern is limited, so we recommend downloading the audio guide in advance.
To enter, you'll need to go through security checks and queue for the lift. Please note that waiting times may be long during the high season.
The Basilica Cistern is not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The Basilica Cistern is a historic site. Due to its age and conservation requirements, restoration or maintenance work may commence at any time without prior notice.