Basilica Cistern Tickets

Constructed under an old dilapidated basilica of Constantinople, the sixth-century Basilica Cistern was commissioned to be built right across the iconic Hagia Sophia by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Work began on the underground water reservoir in 527-28 and upon completion, it was to provide a continuous supply of filtered water to the Great Palace of the imperial family and other royal residences of Constantinople. While the basilica above vanished after a few centuries, the ‘Sunken Palace’ with its marble columns and intricate architectural details survived.

Must Visit & Checkout - Hidden Gems Of Basilica Cistern

After the Byzantines shifted base away from the Great Palace in Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern lost importance and was abandoned for centuries. The Ottoman conquest of the city in the fifteenth century led to its rediscovery, and the Cistern was revived to function as the main source of water supply for the imperial Ottoman residence at Topkapi Palace. However, as newer methods of water supply were brought in, the ancient reservoir was transformed into a dumping ground and neglected until its renovation and reopening as a public attraction in 1987.

Visit & Explore - Basilica Cistern Architecture

The Weeping Column commemorates the contribution and sacrifice of thousands of slaves who worked in the construction of the Basilica Cistern. The must-see pillar is adorned with carvings of trees, peacocks and branches, paying homage to each of the 7,000 slaves who were part of the construction. Since the angled branches and ‘tears’ seem to mimic a hen’s or peacock’s eye, the pillar is also known as the Hen’s Eye or Peacock’s Eye.

Read More - Basilica Cistern Mysteries

Among the most sought-after highlights you can access with Basilica Cistern ticket price, the Upside-Down Medusa Head stands as an unexplained presence in the Byzantine marvel. Hidden underwater for centuries, the two Gorgon heads form the base for the 336 marble columns that support the structure. The Greek construction style of the heads, one of which is upside down and another laid on its side, suggests that they were a part of a ruined Greek temple. Folklore suggests the heads were installed to protect the Cistern from harm. According to tradition, the blocks are positioned sideways and upside down as a protective measure to counteract the formidable gaze of the Gorgons.

Also Checkout - Inside Basilica Cistern

Originally constructed as a water reservoir to supply filtered water to the royal residences of the ancient city, the Basilica Cistern stands as a public attraction today with the water drained out from it. However, shallow pools of fresh water still exist throughout the area of the structure, with water dripping down from the columns into them. The constant flow creates a stunning ripple effect that reflects the magnificence of the Byzantine architectural wonder that is hard to miss while exploring the Cistern.

Must Visit - Basilica Cistern Nearby Restaurants

Situated underneath the city of Istanbul as part of a massive labyrinth of underground cisterns, the Basilica Cistern can be accessed by ascending a flight of 52 steps. A well-lit public attraction now, the Cistern was a well-hidden secret tunnel unknown to the common people until 1987, when it opened after massive renovation and restoration. Well-lit and full of freshwater pools and stunning marble columns of the Byzantine era, the underground relic is a mysterious wonder of the ancient city.

Also Visit - Basilica Cistern Nearby Cafes

Save time and avoid the hassle of waiting in long queues at walk-in counters as you book the skip-the-line Basilica Cistern tickets. Perfect for visitors who have less time to explore the city and wish to save themselves from last-minute delays due to heavy crowds, these tickets get you instant entrance to the Cistern. Purchase the package online in advance for easier and more convenient bookings from the comfort of your home and to avail of steep discounts on Basilica Cistern ticket price.

Must Read - Connection Between the Basilica Cistern and the Hagia Sophia

Guided tours of the Basilica Cistern are ideal for those who wish to indulge in the fascinating history of the ancient underground water reservoir of the Byzantines. Follow a knowledgeable multilingual guide as they narrate unique details about Basilica Cistern and its highlights and interact with fellow visitors as part of the structured package. Skip the long queues at the Cistern and get access to a multilingual audio guide as well when you book these Basilica Cistern tickets online in advance.

Also Explore - Basilica Cistern Nearby Hotels

Avail of great discounts on Basilica Cistern Istanbul ticket price as you book a combined visit to three of the city’s most popular attractions. Explore the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace along with the Basilica Cistern accompanied by a knowledgeable multilingual guide. Enjoy instant entrance as you skip the long lines at the walk-in counters and listen to the incredible histories and hidden facts about the three attractions with a group of people with similar interests as you.

Must Checkout - Basilica Cistern Trip

Experience the magnificence of three of Istanbul’s most visited attractions, namely the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern as you book a well-planned guided tour. Save a few bucks on the Basilica Cistern ticket cost as you choose combo deals on a day and time slot of your preference. Get skip-the-line access and interact with a professional and knowledgeable guide to learn local myths and factual histories of the attractions as you admire them with a diverse group of visitors.

Also Checkout - Facts About Basilica Cistern