Basilica Cistern Guided Tour

On this tour of the Basilica Cistern, we will 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 will meet at Busphours Double Decker Byus Station and begin a tour that will take us underneath Istanbul. The city is hiding a palace underground, and we will explore the Basilica Cistern.

Located in the heart of the historic centre of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern dates back to 532 and was constructed under Emperor Justinian I to provide clean drinking water to Santa Sofia. Inside, we will admire its 336 columns, set along never-ending passages.

As we explore the Submerged Palace, we will share facts about its purpose during the Roman Empire and its various uses during the Ottoman Empire. We will highlight two key features: the head of Medusa and the Weeping Column and discuss their significance.

To conclude, we will explain the connection this site has to Hollywood films filmed here, including James Bond, From Russia with Love and Inferno.

After exploring the Basilica Cistern for 25 minutes, we will end this guided tour.