Visit the Basilica Cistern, an architectural wonder built in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD. Choose the option that suits your visit:
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 metres 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.
For guided tour options, meet your guide at Dsign Cafe at least 15 minutes before the tour. Look for a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and istanbul.com logos for easy recognition.
Audio guide
