Basilica Cistern, Ancient Roman cistern in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
The Basilica Cistern extends across 138 meters by 65 meters underground, featuring 336 marble columns arranged in rows that support vaulted brick ceilings.
Emperor Justinian I commissioned this water reservoir in 532 CE following the Nika riots, employing 7,000 workers to construct this essential infrastructure for Constantinople.
The two Medusa head column bases, positioned sideways and upside down at the far end, originate from an ancient Roman temple and represent Byzantine architectural practices.
The entrance stands directly opposite Hagia Sophia, with elevated walkways allowing visitors to explore the columns while maintaining a water level for preservation purposes.
Fish swim through the shallow waters between the columns, contributing to the water clarity in this subterranean structure that once held 80,000 cubic meters of water.
Location: Fatih
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: 1 Yerebatan Caddesi 34110 Istanbul
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-19:00
Phone: +902125221259
Email: info@yerebatan.com
Website: http://yerebatan.com
GPS coordinates: 41.00840,28.97792
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:16
Hagia Sophia
175 m
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
361 m
Sublime Porte
302 m
Runic inscriptions in Hagia Sophia
104 m
Hagia Irene
305 m
Serpent Column
386 m
Obelisk of Theodosius
348 m
Istanbul Archaeology Museums
466 m
Gülhane Park
460 m
The Stone of Million
38 m
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
366 m
Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
285 m
Cistern of Philoxenos
350 m
German Fountain
191 m
Fountain of Ahmed III
277 m
Ibrahim Pasha Palace
367 m
Walled Obelisk
426 m
Church of the Virgin of the Pharos
292 m
Zeynep Sultan Mosque
170 m
Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library
288 m
Procession Kiosk
260 m
Cağaloğlu Hamam
313 m
Firuz Ağa Mosque
157 m
Hazine-i Evrak binası
348 m
Istanbul Governor's Office
423 m
Cezeri Kasım Pasha Mosque
355 m
Divanyolu Fountain
384 m
Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum
305 mReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
An incredible discovery to make on small boats!
An incredible discovery to make on small boats!
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes