Turkey · Architecture

1-Hour Basilica Cistern History Tour in Istanbul

1 Hour Round trip from Alemdar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Venture into the cavernous depths of the Basilica Cistern
02 Discover the largest of Istanbul's ancient underground cisterns
03 Marvel at the Basilica Cistern's design and architecture
04 Learn how the cistern supplied water to Constantinople and Topkapı Palace

Sign up for this one-hour tour of the Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul. Marvel at its design and architecture as you learn interesting facts about this remarkable underground landmark.

This enlarged cistern provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and it continued to supply water to Topkapı Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Hour

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Istanbul

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Basilica Cistern History Tour

Meet your Istanbul tour guide at the agreed-upon location to begin your tour.
Visit the Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica. This enlarged cistern provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and it continued to supply water to Topkapı Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.