Basilica Cistern Tickets + Audio Guide

Name: Basilica Cistern Tickets + Audio Guide
Brand: Esperienze YallaYalla
SKU: CIV-214169
Price: 63.22 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.0 (81 reviews)

8.0 (81 reviews)

Entrance tickets

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

Description

The Basilica Cistern stands as one of Istanbul's key attractions. With your ticket, you will wander through its 336 majestic columns, all while appreciating the distinctive lighting that enhances its atmosphere. An audio guide in English is also included!

Exploration of the Basilica Cistern

Nestled within the center of Istanbul, the Sunken Palace is a jewel among the city’s many architectural wonders. It serves as a portal into the ancient past of Constantinople, showcasing underground passageways adorned with columns that are sure to captivate your senses.

This admission allows you the special chance to explore the Basilica Cistern after dusk. With the assistance of the English audio guide, you will uncover how Emperor Justinian I commissioned its construction in 532 AD, aimed at supplying water to Hagia Sophia. Throughout the journey, you'll be surrounded by the remarkable 336 columns that grace its extensive corridors.

The Basilica Cistern is rich in intriguing elements, ranging from its Roman reservoirs to the detailed craftsmanship visible in its columns. You'll also learn about the Ottoman Empire’s use of this underground marvel and discover its cinematic history, featuring productions like Inferno and From Russia with Love.

Types of Tickets & Access Times

Upon booking, you will choose a specific time, but access to the Basilica Cistern is flexible within the following hours:

Daytime visits: from 9 am to 6 pm
Evening visits: from 7:30 pm to 10 pm

While the typical duration of the visit is about 40 minutes, you are welcome to linger for as long as you wish.

Essential Information

The audio guide is available on your own smartphone, with download instructions provided upon booking.
Entry requires passing through security checks and may involve queuing for the lift; be prepared for potentially extended waiting times during peak seasons.
Access to the Basilica Cistern is not available for those using wheelchairs or pushchairs.
As a historic site, restoration or maintenance activities may occur at any time 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, located at the following address: Alemdar, Yerebatan St. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, 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 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 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.