Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry and audio guided tour
Attractions & guided tours

Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry and audio guided tour

from
£44.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 1 hour
Why you’ll love this…
  • You'll discover the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine water storage facility
  • You'll hear the intriguing tales behind the Medusa heads from Greek mythology
  • You'll learn how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre
  • You'll descend fifty-two stone steps to enter this historical structure with a firebrick wall
What to expect

Visit the Basilica Cistern, an architectural wonder constructed in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD. You can choose between the following options available in the order box:

  • Option 1: Audio-guided tour with skip-the-line entrance
  • Option 2: Guided tour with skip-the-line entrance
  • Option 3: Small-group tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entrance
  • Option 4: Private tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entrance

Venture into the cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern, established under Emperor Justinian I's reign in 532 A.D. to provide water to the Great Palace. The cistern boasts a capacity of up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, transported through an extensive network of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea.

Descend fifty-two stone steps leading to the entrance of this historical structure. Learn about how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre in the Belgrade Forest, then journeys through the 971-meter-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct, both remarkable feats of engineering by Emperor Justinian.

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What's included
  • check Audio guide
  • check Skip-the-line ticket
Where

Alemdar, Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What to remember

Know in advance:

  • Option 1 includes an audio guide available in 25 languages, provided by Istanbul Tourist Pass. Guided tour options are conducted in English
  • It is not possible to skip the security lines at the entrance, which are mandatory for all visitors
  • After booking, you will receive your entry ticket with QR code via separate e-mail from the supplier
  • You will need internet connection on your smartphone to retrieve your QR ticket
  • The QR ticket will only be visible when in proximity to the venue
Read more
Provider
City Berry Tourism
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

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