Basilica Cistern: Guided Tour

An amazing, atmospheric world hidden beneath the streets of Istanbul

Duration: 30mins
Audio guide: English
Live guide: English

Registered address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:124/B Blok 1.Kat Özsezen İş Merkezi, 34394, Şişli/İstanbul, TR

Contact details

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What's included

30-minute English guided tour of the Basilica Cistern

Meeting point

1/3 Yerebatan Caddesi, 34110, Istanbul

Meet at the Sultanahmet BusForUs stop in front of the Hagia Sophia.
Look out for the red double-decker buses.
The guide will have a flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass logo on it.
All children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums as proof of age.

Description

From ancient wonders to Hollywood movie stars, the Basilica Cistern has seen it all. Come explore the sunken movie location and the largest (and most atmospheric) of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie hidden beneath the city of Istanbul.

Built in 532, this underground cistern is one that Tom Hanks knows well. He was down here filming the adaptation of Dan Brown's thriller Inferno in 2016. It was also featured in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love. Hollywood producers were clearly captivated by the atmosphere of this ancient place, and now you can experience it yourself.

Walk along the raised platforms and soak up the sights - without soaking up any of the water! You'll be standing safe and dry among 336 illuminated marble and granite columns. The Byzantine architecture down here has stood the test of time (and a lot of tourists).

See the different building materials used across different eras, and don't miss the two creepy Medusa heads at the base of the columns. Less creepy are the carp! The shallow waters make a perfect home for these fish to thrive.