CityBuddy
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
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
Datos rápidos: Al bajar la escalera te recibe una selva de 336 columnas, la luz tenue y el eco del agua crean una atmósfera casi hipnótica. Dos cabezas de Medusa reaprovechadas como basas, colocadas de lado e invertidas, sorprenden a muchos visitantes; el depósito podía almacenar cerca de 80.000 metros cúbicos de agua.
Destacados: ¿Sabías que bajo el suelo hay 336 columnas de mármol, organizadas en 12 filas de 28, que sostienen techos a unos 9 metros de altura mientras el agua poco profunda refleja las luces cálidas como un espejo ondulante? En una esquina verás dos cabezas de Medusa apiladas, una al revés y otra de lado, usadas como basas; el aire huele a piedra húmeda y el eco de las gotas convierte los pasos en un susurro antiguo.
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.
Haz clic para reservar un tour a pie GRATIS en Istanbul, Turkey
La mejor manera de experimentar una ciudad con un guía local.
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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