Basilica Cistern Skip-The-Line Ticket — Entry Tickets
A subterranean palace where history reflects upon still water
Mystical underworld experience beneath the streets of Sultanahmet, lit by hundreds of amber columns.
Built under Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) once supplied filtered water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its roof is carried by 336 marble columns salvaged from ruined temples across the empire, 12 of them rising from the water on carved bases — including the two mysterious Medusa heads that still divide historians.
Highlights
- 336 ancient marble columns lit from below
- The two upside-down Medusa head bases
- Cool, atmospheric walkways over the water
- Central Sultanahmet location, steps from Hagia Sophia
Ticket prices
| adult | €52 |
| child | €52 |
Opening hours: 09:00 – 19:00
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, Fatih/İstanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye
Other tickets you may need
- Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Ticket — from €31.90
- Combo Pass — Basilica Cistern + Topkapı Palace + Hagia Sophia — from €125.90
- Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide — from €11.00
- Combo Ticket — Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia — from €106.00
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts — from €19.90
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Frequently asked questions
How much are Basilica Cistern tickets?
Basilica Cistern tickets cost adult €52.00, child €52.00. Prices include all taxes and fees; there is nothing extra to pay at the gate.
Do I have to queue at the ticket office?
No. You book a dated e-ticket in advance, so you go straight to the entrance with your QR code instead of joining the on-site sales queue. Standard security checks still apply, and a separate line may exist for group visits.
How do I receive my ticket?
By e-mail immediately after payment — a PDF with a QR code, plus a copy on the confirmation page. Show it on your phone; printing is not required. If the e-mail does not arrive within a few minutes, check the spam folder and then contact lhotelop@zhituzhe.com with your booking code.
Can I cancel or change my visit date?
Bookings are final. Once payment is confirmed, the visit date cannot be cancelled, changed or refunded, so please check the site, date and timeslot before you pay. The one exception is entry we cannot deliver: if the operator closes the site, or cannot admit you for reasons within its control, you may choose a full refund or a free change of date.
Can I buy a ticket for today?
Yes, until 17:00 Istanbul time. After that, same-day online sales close and the earliest bookable date is tomorrow. Tickets for future dates can be booked at any hour, up to 180 days ahead.
What are the opening hours of Basilica Cistern?
Opening hours: 09:00 – 19:00 Every day. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Still unsure? Contact our team — we answer in English, Türkçe, 中文 and more.