CityBuddy
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
Best time to visit
Early morning right after opening avoids large tour groups and preserves the cistern's moody lighting; late evening can also be quieter but check closing times.
Budget tips
Paid entry is required and prices change, so check the official site for current fare; Istanbul Museum Pass includes the cistern and can save money if visiting multiple paid sites, and students/seniors often get discounts with valid ID.
Recommended for
History buffs, Photography enthusiasts, Architecture fans, Couples seeking atmospheric sites
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
Hurtige fakta: En underjordisk skov af marmorkolonner kaster spøgelsesagtigt lys over stille vandflader, så ekkoet af fodtrin og dryp føles som en uventet koncert. To Medusa-ansigter tjener som gådefulde søjlebaser, vendt på hovedet og på siden, og næsten hver kolonne er genbrugt fra ældre monumenter, så man kan ane historiens lag i stenarbejdet.
Højdepunkter: Når du træder ned i den underjordiske hal mærker du straks den kølige, fugtige luft og hører vanddråber der falder i et ekko, mens 336 marmorsøjler på op til 9 meter kaster lange skygger og spejler sig i det blanke vand. I et hjørne ligger to Medusa-hoveder genbrugt som søjlebunde, et lagt på siden og det andet vendt på hovedet, en uventet, næsten stille detalje som ofte får besøgende til at stoppe op og hviske.
Insider tips
- Wear non-slip shoes, wooden walkways and steps can be damp and slick.
- Arrive at opening to avoid cruise-ship and tour-bus crowds and to enjoy the atmosphere with fewer people.
- Head to the northwest corner to photograph the two Medusa heads, one placed upside down and the other rotated, for dramatic low-angle shots.
- Skip long guided tours that recycle surface-level history; pick up an audio guide or read the bilingual panels for concise context.
Klik for at booke en GRATIS gåtur i Istanbul, Turkey
Den bedste måde at opleve en by med en lokal guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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