Basilica Cistern Guided Tour

On this tour of the Basilica Cistern, we'll visit this authentic gem in Istanbul and see how its columns store water. Welcome to the Submerged Palace!

Basilica Cistern Tour

At the indicated time, we'll meet at Busphours Double Decker Byus Station and begin our tour beneath Istanbul. We will explore the Basilica Cistern, which dates back to 532 and was constructed under Emperor Justinian I to supply clean drinking water to Santa Sofia. Inside, we will observe its 336 columns along extensive passages.

As we tour the Submerged Palace, we will share insights about this site, including the function of the water cisterns during the Roman Empire and their uses in the Ottoman Empire. We will focus on two significant elements: the head of Medusa and the Weeping Column.

We will conclude our visit by discussing the connections between this site and Hollywood films filmed here, such as James Bond, From Russia with Love, and Inferno.

After a 25-minute exploration of the Basilica Cistern, this guided tour will end.