Basilica Cistern

Local nameYerebatan Sarnıcı
LocationAlemdar, Istanbul, Turkey

This enormous underground chamber was built in the 6th century and it stored water for the whole city.

Constructed by over 7,000 slaves, this enormous structure's capacity is 80,000 cubic metres of water. 336 marble columns support the ceiling and their heads reflect various styles, some of them Corinthian, and some of them Dorian.

But the numbers aren’t as impressive as the cistern itself. No wonder that many filmmakers were drawn to this place. That is why you may recognise these pillars from the James Bond film From Russia with Love or from the latest movie adaptation of Dan Brown’s book – Inferno.

You can get here by tram, the nearest tram station is Sultanahmet (line 1).

Tags CisternChamberFilming Location
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Opening hours

On first days of religious holidays and on Jan 1, it exceptionally opens at 1 p.m.

Admission

Foreign Visitors: 20 TRY

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern

Official website http://yerebatan.com/homepage

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yerebatansarnici

Email info@yerebatan.com

Phone +90 212 522 12 59

Address Yerebatan C No: 13, 34410 Sultanahmet-İstanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

Coordinates 41°0'30.253" N 28°58'40.515" E

Tours and activities: Basilica Cistern

Private Tour: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace

from 113 USD

Istanbul Personalized Tour and Private Guide 1-3 Days

from 167 USD

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Basilica Combo Ticket

from 65 USD

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