Sometimes it seems that in the summer hot Istanbul there is not a single secluded place where you can escape from the scorching sun. But in fact it is located right in the center of the Turkish metropolis - the Sultanahmet district. This Basilica tank is a perfectly preserved ancient underground reservoir of Constantinople, located at a depth of 10-12 meters. In this huge cool room you will not only be able to escape from the heat, but also learn a lot of interesting things.

The building was built on the site of the Basilica of St. Sophia. The tank in Greek means "reservoir", so today the museum is called - Basilica tank.

The Greeks began to build the Basilica cistern under the emperor Constantine I (306-337), and finished only in 532 already under the reign of Emperor Justinian. Of course, such a large-scale construction was started not just because the tank had a large supply of drinking water in case of a drought or siege of the city. About 100 thousand tons of water are placed here.

By the way, Basilica tank remotely resembles a palace, because it consists of 336 nine-meter columns .All the columns are externally different, since they were brought from different ancient temples .On two columns there are marble heads of Medusa Gorgon .Historians still can not figure out where these columns were brought from .In addition, scientists do not know exactly why one column is upside down and the other is turned to the side .Perhaps this was done so that people are not afraid to petrify by accidentally looking into the eyes of Gorgon .After all, this could happen, if you believe the myths of Ancient Greece .

Water entered the tank through aqueducts from Belgrade Forest, located 19 km north of Istanbul, on the Black Sea coast. It is interesting that the Greeks took care of the safety of the tank. First, its walls are made of firebrick 4 meters thick. Secondly, they are covered with a special waterproofing solution. By the way, the reservoir was used for the intended purpose until the 16th century.

Then the cistern was abandoned, until the 80s of the 20th century it was forgotten. But in the end, the reservoir was still emptied and began to be cleaned. In 1987, during the restoration of the cistern, a huge amount of dirt was removed, the floor was concreted, wooden decking was made, according to which today travelers are traveling. Now the tank is beautifully illuminated from the inside, and the water level in it is quite small - 40-50 cm.

There are also their beliefs, which are very popular with tourists. For example, to fulfill your greatest desire, you need to approach the "Column of Tears," adorned with curls. In one of these patterns, you need to insert a finger and rotate it 360 degrees. Well, then just wait for the fulfillment of the cherished dream.

In addition, the "Desire Pool" is also nearby, where travelers from all over the world throw coins, making a wish.

Practical information

The Basilica cistern is located at: 13 Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet. Sultanahmet district, near the Hagia Sophia Museum, next to the zero mile sign. The admission fee is 10 Turkish Lira (July 2013).

Entrance, Basilica Cistern

Column with the head of Medusa, Basilica Cistern

Basilica tank

Feedback on Basilica Cistern (8)

Evaluation 10

The cost rose to 20 lir December 30, 2014

Lena

was here in December 2014

In December 2014 the ticket costs 20 lire. No discounts and a museum card do not work. But it's still the most wonderful place in Istanbul!

Evaluation 9

Arriving in Istanbul, we planned to visit the Basilica Cistern, and ... almost passed by September 11, 2014

Natalya

was here in October 2013

Arriving in Istanbul, we planned to visit the Basilica Cistern, and ... almost passed by. Attention attracted a bunch of people, most likely tourists. And then, it dawned on me, it's the tank. True, it was a way out, but it was already difficult to find input.
Since everything interesting here is underground, the sight of this sight from the outside does not attract attention at all. And it is located in the very center, across the road from the famous Aya Sophia. And the price is only 10 lire, the child missed 8 years ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 10

The magnificent place of Istanbul June 05, 2014

Olga

was here in May 2014

I came from Istanbul two weeks ago. I've been there before this several times, but here in the Cistern the Basilica was never. And this time I decided to correct my mistake and straight went to this amazing place. The benefit of my hotel there had to go there only twenty minutes. The cistern compared to its neighbors - the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia are very modest in size from the outside. But when you get inside, you realize that appearance is always wrong. It is worth only 10 lire. For comparison, for visiting ... Read full review

Evaluation 7

Impressive, especially fish:) January 30, 2014

Olya

was here in June 2012

When we arrived in Istanbul, my friend told me about 10 times that I must go to the Basilica Cistern. In Sultan Ahmet went around everything, Top Capy Palace, Ai Sophia, looked at the blue mosque, and here is where this tank was and could not understand. About 10 minutes later we saw a huge line. If you become a face to Ai Sophia so that it is in front of you on the right, the tank will be on the left. The entrance will be small and inconspicuous, although on a long line you will find out where to go. Entrance only 10 lire
Спустивись ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 10

An amazing and mysterious place January 30, 2014

Olga

was here in September 2013

It's a shame to admit, but I did not even know that this place is in Istanbul. And I made this great discovery already being there and reading in the guide book, bought in the Sultanahmet district. And of course, I immediately went there. The building of the Basilica is rather unattractive and inconspicuous, it's hard to imagine that there might be something interesting behind the door. But, as they say, appearance is deceptive. Having bought an entrance ticket for 10 lir I went inside and immediately realized that I was in a fabulous place. Around was a twilight and a pleasant cool .... Read the entire review

Evaluation 10

Mysterious and wonderful place December 20, 2013

Natalya

was here in May 2013

We rested in Istanbul in June this year. With me, I took a guide and we lived in the historical district of Sultanahmet. So, all the main attractions were within walking distance and I looked at them all with great pleasure. But there was only one Basilica Cistern that did not give me peace. Although the exact address in the guide was specified and by all signs I went twenty times past it, but for some reason I could not find it. But one day I passed by an unremarkable small building ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 7

An unusual and mysterious place November 25, 2013

Evgenia

was here in December 2012

It's impossible to be in Istanbul and not to visit Erebatan Sarneche! Mysterious, very unusual sight! These are not cathedrals-churches-palaces-mosques that are everywhere! In addition, all the local people know where it is, and will prompt the road. And you can get to Aya Sophia. Do not waste time here, you can walk a hundred times past the Basilica and do not understand what it is! Therefore, immediately ask the benevolent Turk the way from Aya Sophia to Yerabatan, you will be told. I was in December 2012, ticket ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 7

Mystical place of Istanbul November 20, 2013

Juliett_K

was here in December 2012

Basil cistern is an ancient reservoir of Istanbul (rather, even Constantinople, since the Turks did not use it). If you have already reached Istanbul, then a visit to the reservoir will not be superfluous. It is across the road from Aya Sophia. Ticket price 10 Litas

First of all, the tank is famous for its antiquity. When you go there you are immersed in a completely new world. A little heavy air and red illumination of the room immerse you a bit into mysticism. No wonder there were filmed various fantastic ... Read the whole review