Basilica Cistern Tickets & Guided Tour, Istanbul
Basilica Cistern Tickets highlights
Step into the Basilica Cistern, which holds Istanbul's hidden treasure. Prepare to be transported to a world of wonder beneath the city streets.
Witness the Medusa head, one of the three Gorgons, with snakes in place of hair that could turn anyone into stone.
With raised wooden platforms, vaulted ceilings, and aesthetic beauty, the Basilica Cistern reflects the history and culture of the Roman Age.
Get an inverted walk experience, as the water in the cistern is so crystal clear that it reflects the ceiling.
Get accompanied by an expert tour guide who will assist you throughout the tour and will tell you interesting stories and facts about this historical monument.
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Basilica Cistern Tickets cancellation_policy
- If cancellation are made 1 days before the date of travel then 100.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees
- If cancellation are made 0 days to 1 days before the date of travel then 100.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees
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Basilica Cistern Tickets overview
About Basilica Cistern, Istanbul:
The Basilica Cistern, nestled beneath Istanbul, Turkey, is among the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns. Its history dates back to the 4th century, initially built to supply water to the Great Palace. From ancient marvels to Hollywood celebrities, the Basilica has witnessed the passage of time. It is adorned with Byzantine artworks, including countless illuminated columns and mysterious Medusa heads.
About Basilica Cistern Ticket with Guided Tour, Istanbul:
- Arrive at the Basilica Cistern and be ready to witness history that dates back to the 4th century.
- With skip-the-line access, you can get inside by beating the long queues.
- See the ‘Sunken’ movie location and the largest (and most atmospheric) of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie hidden beneath the city of Istanbul.
- See unique Byzantine artworks, including hundreds of illuminated columns and Medusa heads.
- Marvel at the artificial freshwater lake that is the size of around 2 football fields.
- Revisit the scenes of the 1963 James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love’, as the cistern was used as a location in that movie.
- Dive into the fascinating backstories with an expert guide who will assist you at all times throughout the tour.
Don't Miss:
If you want to explore more attractions, book the Istanbul Welcome Card.
Basilica Cistern Tickets faqs
What are the things to do on the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour?
- See movie location: The glimpse of this place has been on silver screen all around the world as the climax scene of ‘INFERNO’, a famous hollywood movie which was shot in 2013. With your Basilica Cistern tickets, you will get the chance to see the locations where the scenes were shot.
- Admire Byzantine artworks: Witness intricate artworks from the Byzantine era which include illuminated columns and Medusa Head that are equally unique and amusing.
- Know about history: Improve your knowledge about the largest among the hundreds of hidden historic Cisterns with your Basilica Cistern tickets.
What are the essential things to carry for the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour?
- Entry ticket
- Identity Proof
- Visa - passport details by all foreigners
How much time do we need for Basilica Cistern Tickets & Guided Tour?
Spare around two - three hours for your guided tour with your Basilica Cistern tickets.
Why is Basilica Cistern so famous?
The cistern which is 140 m long and 70 m wide looks like an underground palace because of its 336 columns each of 9 meters in height. The columns look endless from both ends of the cistern, making it a famous architectural marvel. Publicly known as “Yerebatan Cistern '' this massive underground structure was first made for resolving water management problems. But it has also served as the silk and lemon warehouse and also provided shelter when the people were drained. The magnificent history, amazing architecture and interesting secret stories is what makes this place so famous.
What are the other famous places to visit in Istanbul?
- Dolmabahce Palace: This glamorous palace inspired by European opulence is one of the must visit places in Istanbul. Along with serving as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, this place was used for organizing many naval ceremonies.
- Grand Bazar: Consisting of thousands of shops inside, the Grand Bazar is the largest covered market in the whole world which sells everything from clothes to home-decor and footwear to jewellery.
- Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque is the embodiment of architecture and culture which makes it to the top of list of places to visit in Istanbul. It has 6 minarets and over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles because of which it got its name.
- Maiden's Tower: Formerly served as the watchtower of the Ottoman Empire, the Maiden's Tower is the perfect place if you want to witness a mesmerizing view of sunset. Cruise on a boat and get to the tower where you can enjoy some cozy time with your loved ones whilst having some gourmet food.
Which are the some of the best Istanbul attraction tickets that we can book at Thrillophilia?
Here is the list of best Istanbul attraction tickets that we can book at Thrillophilia: