Basilica Cistern Tour: Byzantine Water Wonder

Embark on a captivating journey into Byzantine times with the Basilica Cistern Tour. Discover the ancient water storage system and unravel the mysteries of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.

Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Basilica Cistern - On this 30-minute tour, visit the 4th-century Basilica Cistern and discover the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
What's Included
  • Entry ticket to Basilica Cistern
  • Professional English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Transfer
Additional Information

Make your way to the Basilica Cistern, an edifice established in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD, utilized as a water reserve during the Byzantine era. Absorb the intriguing tales of Greek mythology related to the Medusa heads from your guide.
Delve into the grandness of this cathedral-sized Cistern, constructed under the rule of Emperor Justinian…

Location
Sultanahmet
Big Bus Sultanahmet stop in front of Hagia Sophia
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(55 Ratings)
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Buyex2023
Jul 18, 2025
- It was an amazing experience! The views were fantastic. Our guide, Hussain, was super knowledgeable and patient. We really enjoyed listening to him about the history and the stories behind the pillars. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kitemad
Jun 22, 2025
Basilica tour awesome - It’s better to have someone to show you all the highlights than to find them yourself. The audio guide will work but the guide is able to go at your pace and answer any questions you have. The guide was excellent and gave enough information to keep us engaged.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Big
May 22, 2025
Cistern review - Tour guide was very knowledgeable and take the time to explain everything also helped with photos. I actually missed my appointment. Got stuck in traffic and they accommodated me with a later time last minute. super awesome thank you
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Joanna
Apr 23, 2025
Great tour of Basilica Cistern - We had a great tour of the Basilica Cistern with our guide, Can, who was very knowledgeable about its history. The tour was well organised and communication excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alifiyag2025
Feb 20, 2025
Great guided tour of basilica cistern. - We took the basilica cistern private tour and it was amazing. Fatih was a very good guide and explained everything thoroughly. He had great knowledge and catered to us perfectly. Highly recommend.
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Experience782936
Feb 2, 2025
Fun and saves a lot of time - Skipping the very long lines is a real benefit. Our guide gave a interesting overview of the cistern and it's historical significance, as well as some interesting contemporary details -- like the people living above who fished through holes in their basements. The cistern itself is not big so I think the history makes this much more meaningful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_h
Dec 13, 2024
Fantastic. - We had an amazing guide, Elif.She was very knowledgeable about the cistern in Istanbul. She was very informative and personable. The guided tour was amazing thanks to our wonderful guide, thank you I would highly recommend this tour and this guide?
Review provided by Viator
Harjinder_s
Nov 20, 2024
Great knowledge - Hard to know that there is so much history underground Istanbul. I was very impressed with our guide and her knowledge of the history of the cisterns.
Review provided by Viator
Markki8344cv
Nov 15, 2024
Basilica Cistern Tour ~ Must do!! - The tour was fantastic and our guide, Sarah, was terrific! She was very knowledgeable and pleasant. Thank you!…and thanks again for assigning Sarah!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcia_s
Oct 16, 2024
A must-see when visiting Istanbul - Seeing the cisterns was an experience that was interesting and informative. It was lovely especially with the changing light display.
Review provided by Viator
From $75
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).