- 1800-123-5555
- Travel Agent? Join Us
- Blog
- Offers
Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey
Have a Splendid Time at the Basilica Cistern
Rated 4.40/5 ( based on 459 reviews )
Quick Information
Best time to visit
Apr - May, Aug - Oct
Ideal Duration
6-7 Days
Visa
On Arrival
Starting from
Rs. 6,200
Website
http://visitistanbul.org/
Ideal for friends
Beach
Nature
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul (Turkey)
Cistern is basically a public tank built for storing and supplying water to the inhabitants of the city. Earlier, these cisterns were made up of many materials. Istanbul is one such place where one can find a number of cisterns. One of the most famous cisterns is the Basilica Cistern. The Basilica Cistern is known as one of the largest cisterns in Istanbul due to which it attracts lots of visitors every year.
History of Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian 1. As per the history of Basilica Cistern, it had been damaged too during wars and attacks but even after that, it was reconstructed by the emperors. The magnificent cistern looks no less than an ancient temple built under the sea. The Basilica Cistern eve has its own share of history and legends. The name Basilica was given as the cistern was built upon a huge Basilica during the 3rd and 4th centuries. There are several legends which are attached to the Basilica Cistern. It is said that around 7000 laborers were required to build this magnificent cistern. One can even find water in here though in a small quantity. Fish can still be found as they help in keeping the water in the cistern clean. Even after so many destruction and reconstruction, Basilica Cistern has not yet lost its charm and attracts lots of visitors every year.
The Basilica Cistern now holds a lot of importance for the Istanbul tourism. Basilica Cistern is even added in many itineraries and is visited by tourists from all around the globe.
Interesting Facts about Basilica Cistern
With an estimate of more than 80 underground ancient cisterns, Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern in Istanbul.
The giant structure is supported by 336 Corinthian style columns.
This famous Istanbul underground cistern is 65 meter wide and 143 meter long, and has the capacity of holding up to 17.5 million gallons of water.
This attractions also houses an artificial lake of the size of two hugely sprawled fields.
This popular attraction is also referred to as ‘the Sunken Palace’.
There are many sculptures too which can be viewed in this beautiful cistern. The sculpture of Medusa head is one of the most famous sculptures due to its life like structure and the designs that are carved in the sculpture. There are many such places that would fascinate you about this place.
Popular Packages
Unlimited Choices. Trusted Agents. Best Prices. Happy Memories.
Cities:
- Istanbul
- Cappadocia
- Antalya
Starting from:
₹6,200/-
₹6,739/-8% OffCities:
- Cappadocia
- Kusadasi
Starting from:
₹23,520/-
₹25,846/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹33,599/-
₹38,181/-12% OffCities:
- Cappadocia
- Kusadasi
- Pamukkale
Starting from:
₹33,600/-
₹36,923/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹39,199/-
₹42,608/-8% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹39,760/-
₹43,692/-9% OffCities:
- Cappadocia
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹42,560/-
₹46,769/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
- Cappadocia
Starting from:
₹44,240/-
₹49,635/-11% OffCities:
- Cappadocia
- Kusadasi
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹44,799/-
₹49,230/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
- Cappadocia
Starting from:
₹45,000/-
₹48,913/-8% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹45,360/-
₹49,846/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹45,918/-
₹49,911/-8% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹48,158/-
₹52,921/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹48,158/-
₹52,921/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹48,158/-
₹52,921/-9% OffCities:
- Cappadocia
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹49,000/-
₹53,846/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹50,399/-
₹55,384/-9% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹50,960/-
₹55,391/-8% OffCities:
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹50,960/-
₹56,000/-9% OffCities:
- Cappadocia
- Kusadasi
- Istanbul
Starting from:
₹51,520/-
₹57,244/-10% OffPlaces To Visit In Istanbul
Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination
View AllDolmabahce Palace In Istanbul
Nestled on one of the most spectacular parts of the Bosphorus, the grandeur of the Dolmabahce Palace leaves everyone in awe. Constructed during the Ottoman area, it later became the Presidential Palace. The attraction still holds a significant place in Turkey. Built by an Armenian architect, Garabet Amira Balyan, Dolmabahce...
- Sightseeing
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Ideal for friends
- Ideal for families
Galata Tower In Istanbul
No trip is ever complete without a journey to view one of the light towers or normal towers. In Turkey too, there is one such tower in Istanbul, which not only offers a great view but also gives you the ancient chills that one can only feel at the viewing of amazing architecture and scriptures. Apart from these euphoric fee...
- Sightseeing
- Adventure
- Ideal for friends
- Breathtaking views
Hagia Sophia In Istanbul
A country with both Islam and Christian histories, Turkey is a delight to visit; and Hagia Sophia is one of the go-to places in Turkey. Located in the old capital Istanbul, it is a cathedral that was later found out to be a mosque and now runs as a museum, mainly as a tourist spot that runs on the visits of foreigners as we...
- Sightseeing
- Hagia Sophia
- Museum
- Ideal For Family
Suleymaniye Mosque In Istanbul
A tribute to Suleiman- the Magnificent, Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most famous mosques of Istanbul. Built in between 1550- 1557, its construction took almost 8 years; however, the architectural design of Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul is still worthy of appraisal. Designed by the architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque attrac...
- Sightseeing
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Religious Tour
- Ideal for friends
Topkapi Palace In Istanbul
Looking for a great time exploring the royalty of the Turkish kings or sultans? Look no further. ‘Topkapi Palace’ is the place to be. Of the many things to see in Turkey, mainly Istanbul, the museum is definitely a must-see. Its ancient carvings are one to watch out for. Topkapi Museum is the subject of many colorful storie...
- Sightseeing
- Topkapi palace
- Adventure
- Ideal for friends
- Ideal for families
Things To Do In Istanbul
Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences
View AllGrand Bazaar In Istanbul
As the name suggests, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets in Istanbul with a variety of shops selling different souvenirs. It is one of the oldest covered markets with around 4000 shops and covers almost all the main streets of the city. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul attracts lots of people from all around the world thr...
- Shopping
- Grand Bazaar
- Sightseeing
- Ideal for friends
- Ideal for families
Taksim Square In Istanbul
Considered as the heart of the modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is one of the major cities in terms of economy, entertainment and tourist attraction. The Istanbul metro is located here, making it a lot more important. Many monuments and statues can even be found in here. The Taksim Square even has a meaning of its name; Taksi...
- Sightseeing
- Museum
- Ideal for friends
- Ideal for families
Our experts would love to create a package just for you!
Fill in your requirements here >
Fastest Growing Holiday Marketplace
650+
Verified Agents
22 Lac+
Happy Travellers
65+
Destinations
Easy, Secure & Reliable
Traveltriangle
Verified
Stringent
Quality Control
24/7
Support
Istanbul Tour Packages
Read on to find out why our customers love us!
Shubhammanchanda
Delhi
Shubhammanchanda's 8 days trip to Istanbul
Gupchat
Istanbul
Gupchat's 7 days trip to Istanbul
Prasad Np
Bangalore
Prasad's 9 days trip to Istanbul
Rachit Nayak
Bengaluru
Rachit's 8 days trip to Istanbul
Anita Pious
Bangalore
Anita's 6 days trip to Istanbul
Raza Khan
Pune
Raza's 8 days trip to Istanbul
Rajesh Ramamurthy
India
Rajesh's 9 days trip to Istanbul
Ankur Dutta
New delhi
Ankur's 7 days trip to Istanbul
Abhishek Deshpande
Mumbai
Abhishek's 11 days trip to Istanbul
Maina Hegde
Mumbai
Maina's 7 days trip to Istanbul
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
FAQ's of Istanbul
Read on to find out why our customers love us!
How was the Basilica Cistern built?
Rebuilt by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, this structure was constructed under beneath a large public square, called the Stoa Basilica, and thus derived its name from that place. However, this cistern got recognized by Gyllius when he came to Istanbul to conduct research.
Why was the Basilica Cistern built?
During the Byzantine period, emperors used to built numerous cisterns to store water during crisis, especially wars. And, this attraction was one of them. The attraction came in picture when Pitrus Gyllius discovered it in 1545.
How It Works
Personalise This Package
Make changes as per your travel plan & submit the request.
Get Multiple Quotes
Connect with top 3 agents, compare quotes & customize further.
Book The Best Deal
Pay in easy installments & get ready to enjoy your holiday.
Corporate Office:
Holiday Triangle Travel Private Limited
Address: Plot No - 52 , 3rd Floor,
Batra House , Sector 32,
Gurugram -122001,Haryana
Landline: 1800 123 5555
Connect with us on :
Made with
in India
All rights reserved © 2024