Wanloria › Destinations › Istanbul › Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern
CultureVisit: ~45 min
A large underground water reservoir commissioned in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, in Sultanahmet, near Hagia Sophia. A forest of 336 marble columns supports the brick vaults, with dim light and walkways over the water. Its most famous corner is the two Medusa heads used as column bases, one of them upside down. Reopened after its restoration in 2022.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Basilica Cistern: 2 missions
- Find the two Medusa headsFollow the walkways to the back of the cistern and find the two bases with the head of Medusa, one of them upside down.
- Photograph the forest of columns and its reflectionFind a spot on the walkways from which you can see the row of columns reflected in the water and take the photo with your phone held steady.
Near Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia175 m awaySultanahmet Square284 m awayHippodrome of Constantinople299 m awayHagia Irene305 m awayBlue Mosque (Sultanahmet)348 m awayMuseum of Turkish and Islamic Arts366 m away
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need for Basilica Cistern?
Allow about 45 min for the visit.
What is there to do at Basilica Cistern?
Find the two Medusa heads and Photograph the forest of columns and its reflection.
What is there to see near Basilica Cistern?
Hagia Sophia (175 m), Sultanahmet Square (284 m) and Hippodrome of Constantinople (299 m).
Source: OpenStreetMap