Mysterious and Majestic Underground Basilica Cistern

The Underground Basilica Cistern is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Istanbul, located just across the street from the Hagia Sophia. It also served as a filming location for Jackie Chan's movie "The Accidental Spy" in 2000.

Every day, numerous tourists visit this site, often resulting in long queues at the entrance. For non-Turkish visitors, the ticket price is higher than for local residents, with foreign tourists paying 1,500 Turkish Lira. It's important to note that the ticket office at the entrance does not accept cash payments; only credit cards or contactless payment methods are accepted.

According to historical records, this underground cistern was built by Emperor Constantine the Great. The underground palace is a 140-meter-long and 70-meter-wide reservoir. After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, it continued to supply water to the Topkapi Palace until modern times.

Visitors should be aware that there are no storage lockers for luggage or handbags at the site. Therefore, it is advisable not to bring large bags or suitcases when visiting. Although there are no restrictions on the size of bags allowed, the stairs leading to the cistern can make it inconvenient to carry large items, potentially obstructing other visitors.

Additionally, there are two other points to note: there are no restrooms at the entrance or inside the cistern, so it is recommended to use the facilities before queuing and entering. Furthermore, the lighting inside the cistern is very dim, rendering camera flash ineffective. It is suggested to use your mobile phone for photography instead.

Getting to the Basilica Cistern is very convenient, as it is located near the T1 tram station.

Post by Eric唐 | Oct 27, 2025