Basilica Cistern Tour: Byzantine Water Storage Marvel

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
(48 Ratings)
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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
Ian_l
Sep 23, 2024
Wonderful - Fantastic guide! Wonderful experience. Some srt is (tastefully) mixed in with the columns and makes for a unique additional experience.
Review provided by Viator
623cosimop
Aug 4, 2024
Amazing tour with exceptional guide - This tour was amazing. Elif was an exceptional guide, nothing was missing : social time, professional explanations including historical, technical and mythological approaches. Finally, big thank you for your kindness. No doubt, a must to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Veroniquep903
Jul 21, 2024
Best Guide of Istanbul speaking very well English and very cultured - Excellent Guide with impressive general knowledge. On the history but also the current situation of the country.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claus98980071
Jul 14, 2024
Best guide and trip under Istanbul - Awesome trip undetground with a passinate guide and sweet helpful guide med Elif. She did everything in her power to make the trip every penny and more count. Than you so much for cleverness, sweetness and will to make a perfect trip for us
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G8544us_
Jul 2, 2024
Perfect tour - That was amazing tour and the tour guide is so nice , her name is ELIF, such a nice person , next time I’m definitely going to find her as well
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jemmalynw
Jun 23, 2024
Really great tour - Our guide Elif was prompt, very accommodating and knowledgeable. She was really nice to the kids too. Most imlortantly, she was great at taking photos!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest05326782398
May 11, 2024
Basilica cistern - Tour guide, Ms Elif, is friendly and good. She give good guide on the history on the architecture. There is also photo to better improve the visualising.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
970antoineg
May 9, 2024
Tessekur ederim Elif ! - What a great experience with Elif ! She was very patient, very kind and gave us many very interesting informations about the Basilic Cistern, its history, specificities, hidden places and sculptures. She also took pictures of us, thanks again ! We could discuss about history and other things, it was such a good moment for us ! Tessekur ederim !!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mejsdewet_d
Sep 10, 2024
Basilica Cistern - Our tour guide was very friendly. This was my second time in the Basilica, I was dissapointed about the the new modern statues placed in the basilica, it does not look good. I loved the fact that we were a very small group.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
December 2024
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