Amazing to hear the history of the cistern -- at one point its existence was forgotten, then it was rediscovered. Hard to imagine it filled with water...be sure to see the two Medusa heads on the far end.
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
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All 362 Istanbul Attractions »
Basilica Cistern
Sultanahmet | Near St. Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
+90-212 522 12 59
As featured in 3 days in Istanbul and 1 other guide
414 visitor photos
Ranked #7 of 179 attractions in Istanbul
1581 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Bodies of Water, Ancient Ruins
Fee: Yes
Traveller Description: The Basilica Cistern (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayı - "Sunken Palace", or Yerebatan Sarnıcı - "Sunken Cistern") is located in opposite of Sultan Ahmed...
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Miami Beach, Florida
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Atlanta, Georgia
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It will only take you about a half an hour - but a must see. Don't bother with the audio tour though. It is about 3 minutes long!
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Olivos
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Bring a tripod and you will take some amazing photos
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Chicago, Illinois
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Make sure to find the upside-down Medusa heads. Very slippery! Can't believe some women had on 6" heels!!
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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Senior Contributor
I skipped this on my first visit to Istanbul. The unassuming entrance hides the wonders that you can see. Istanbul is a wonderful city full of much history. This is a must see!
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Senior Reviewer
although it is not a very famous place; but it is good to see and u dont have to go so far in order to enter, it is located between the blue mosque and ayasofia
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Ahus, Sweden
Senior Reviewer
A very beautiful place. Takes ca 30 min, but it is worth it. It is like a fairytail.
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Caracas, Venezuela
Senior Reviewer
Don't miss it, see how the Roman Empire was able to stock fresh water for this huge city. The Medusas heads are a must.
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Hong Kong, China
Contributor
Although it was cool inside and some waterdrops over my head. This place caught me some Rams. Amazing place and ancient craftworks are unbelievable. If you got a professional camera, a desktop wallpaper grade photo is a must do task here.
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London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
magnificent and full of history, with sculptures of Medusa
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