Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry and audio guided tour

Attractions & guided tours

Istanbul, Turkey

Free Cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 1 Hour
Instant Confirmation
Guided Tour
e-Voucher
Group Tour

Do this because

You'll discover the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine water storage facility
You'll hear the intriguing tales behind the Medusa heads from Greek mythology
You'll learn how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre
You'll descend fifty-two stone steps to enter this historical structure with a firebrick wall

What to expect

Visit the Basilica Cistern, an architectural wonder constructed in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD. You can choose between the following options available in the order box.Option 1: Audio-guided tour with skip-the-line entranceOption 2: Guided tour with skip-the-line entranceOption 3: Small-group tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entranceOption 4: Private tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entranceVenture into the cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern, established under Emperor Justinian I's reign in 532 A.D. to provide water to the Great Palace. The cistern boasts a capacity of up to 80,000 cubic metres of water, transported through an extensive network of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea.Descend fifty-two stone steps leading to the entrance of this historical structure. Learn about how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre in the Belgrade Forest, then journeys through the 971-meter-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct, both remarkable feats of engineering by Emperor Justinian.

What's included

Audio guide
Skip-the-line ticket

What to remember

Know in advance:

Option 1 includes an audio guide available in 25 languages, provided by Istanbul Tourist Pass. Guided tour options are conducted in English
It is not possible to skip the security lines at the entrance, which are mandatory for all visitors
After booking, you'll receive your entry ticket with QR code via separate e-mail from the supplier
You'll need internet connection on your smartphone to retrieve your QR ticket
The QR ticket will only be visible when in proximity to the venue

Provider

City Berry Tourism

Booking Fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation Fee

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins

Where

Alemdar, Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Meeting point:
If you selected the Basilica Cistern guided tour, please meet your guide at Dsign Cafe at least 15 minutes before your tour time.
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