Visiting the Yerebatan Cisterns in Istanbul is a fascinating experience. Moreover, we can say that the dear child has many names: Yerebatan Cisterns, Yerebatan Saray, the Sunken Palace or the Basilica Cistern. All these names describe one and the same very special place underground...
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Yerebatan Cisterns in Istanbul
Yerebatan Cisterns is a very well-preserved water reservoir in Istanbul. The reservoir was built under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 5th century to provide water for the city of Constantinople (Istanbul), probably replacing an older reservoir.
The name "Yerebatan Saray" (The Sunken Palace) comes from the many marble pillars rising from the water. The name 'Basilica Cistern' refers to the fact that the reservoir was built on the site of a former basilica.
Located in the centre of Istanbul, the reservoir is today a popular attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Yerebatan Cisterns - with a long history
Yerebatan Cisterns is an underground chamber measuring 140 x 70 metres, which holds about 80,000 cubic metres of water. The water was once brought here via viaducts from areas north of the city.
The roof is supported by 336 nine-metre high marble columns, some of which are Corinthian and others Doric. Two of the columns each stand on a Medusa head, but the origin of these sculptures is unknown.
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the cistern was used to supply water to the Topkapi Palace, where the Sultan lived, but over time other ways of organising the water supply were found. In the mid-16th century, the cistern was 'discovered' by Westerners through the French traveller Petrus Gyllius.
Yerebatan Cisterns in the world of film and books
The environment of the Yerebatan Cisterns / Basilica Cistern is very special, and the reservoir has therefore been used in numerous films, books and games:
- The James Bond films From Russia with Love (1963)
- The historical novel Pawn in Frankincense by Dorothy Dunnett (1969)
- Fantasy book series The Old Kingdom by Garth Nix (1995 onwards)
- The film The International (2009)
- The computer game Assassin's Creed (2011)
- Thriller films Brotherhood of Tears (2013)
- novels Inferno by Dan Brown (2013) and the film (2016)
Visiting Yerebatan Cisterns in Istanbul
Visiting the Yerebatan Cistern in Istanbul is very interesting. The reservoir is open every day, even in the evening at a higher price, and you have to buy a ticket to enter. Be prepared to queue for a while, as the place is very popular with tourists.
As well as the history and architecture making the visit worthwhile in itself, the experience is enhanced by varied lighting. The lighting in the main hall alternates between regular dim lighting and flashes of yellow, red and green light. The light enhances the magical feeling, while making it a little more fun to photograph.
When we were here, the exhibition "Deeper Beneath" with various sculptures and artworks was also on display, which looks great in this very special environment. A visit here was a really delicious experience, which you don't want to miss when visiting Istanbul!
More to see and do in Istanbul
In addition to Yerebatan Cisterns, there is much more to do. What to see and do in Istanbul. There is a nice atmosphere, boat trips between the European and Asian sides, fun shopping, good food and historical sights. For example, you can visit the shrine Hagia Sofia, embark on a Food Tour in Istanbul or discover "the world's first shopping centre" Grand Bazaar.
More to see and do in Turkey
If you have the opportunity to see even more in Turkey, we can recommend, among other things, the fantastic Cappadocia, where you can go by plane, bus or car from Istanbul. You can find more stories below.
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Have you visited Yerebatan Cisterns in Istanbul?
Have you visited Yerebatan Cisterns / Basilica Cisterns in Istanbul? If not, is it a place you would like to visit?
Facts about Yerebatan Cisterns in Istanbul
- Address: Yerebatan Cad. Alemdar Mah. 1/3 34410 Sultanahmet-Fatih
- Location: Istanbul
- Country: Turkey
- Name: Yerebatan Cisterns, Yerebatan Saray, Sunken Palace, Basilica Cistern
- Read more: You can find more information at the site's website.
Dimensions and figures
- Dimensions: 140 by 70 metres
- Square metres: Approximately 9 800
- Space: Can hold about 80,000 cubic metres of water.
- Number of columns: 336
- The height of the pillars: 9 metres
- The location of the pillars: 12 rows of 28 columns in each, spaced 4.8 metres apart.
- Number of steps: 52 steps lead down into the reservoir
- The thickness of the wall: 4 metres
- The length of the aqueducts: the 971 metre long Valens (Bozdoğan) Aqueduct and the original 115 metre long Mağlova Aqueduct.
Visiting Yerebatan Cisterns
- Opening hours: Every day 09-22 (2023)
- Ticket price: During the daytime 450 Turkish lira (approximately €165) and in the evening 1,000 Turkish lira (approximately €365).
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BP says:
WOW I just say! Have probably never seen anything like it. So incredibly powerful. Think of those who built these pillars ...
I also like Medusa standing on her head. How did they think then. So exciting!
21 November 2023 - 20:23
Mia says:
It's an amazing place! Last winter I visited Turkey for the first time ever, and my party had a rain-soaked day in Istanbul before travelling on. We had been advised to visit the Yerebatan Cistern and did so, which I am very happy about. Enjoyed Turkey very much in general and hope to travel there again sometime!
23 November 2023 - 20:31
Lena - gott för själen says:
But how cool and fascinating was that place! I can imagine that it was really cool to see live!
Hug Lena
27 November 2023 - 5:41