According to a statistical report entailing international tourists, the basilica cistern is the third most visited site in turkey. It wasnt until 1987, however, thanks to a clean up by the istanbul metropolitan municipality, that istanbuls visitors would be allowed to see what petrus gyllius had found over 400 years previously. Jan 14, 2016 the basilica cistern the largest surviving cistern in istanbul was thus rediscovered and back on the map. Built by emperor justinian in the 6th century, this cavernous space is breathtaking, packed with grandeur and a fantastic location to take in the history. During his expedition, gyllius identified each column of the cistern and published them on his travel book. Basilica cistern is an underground cistern built by the late roman or early byzantine emperor justinian the great in constantinople during the 6th century. This was an area with shops, entertainment facilities and other useful spots for citizens. Another more attractive name for the cistern is the submerged palace.
Benefit of orientation tips by an official tour guide and audio guide apps in 9 languages. Basilica cistern opening and closing time are between 9 a. The basilica cistern, one of istanbuls most famous historical sites, impresses visitors with its 336 columns, each nine meters long, and two medusa heads. Basilica cistern entrance fee, tickets, short history, hours there are hundreds of byzantine cisterns under the istanbul historic peninsula. The cistern was derived from a large public square located in the first plateau of constantinople, called basilica. Basilica cistern istanbul, turkey attractions lonely planet. It is in afew minuteswalk from the blue mosque and easy to reach to basilica cistern from the southwest of hagia sophia museum. Basilica cistern istanbul 2020 what to know before you. Basilica cistern entrance fee and hours istanbul local guide. Other articles where basilica cistern is discussed. Ive seen it in movies and wanted to check it out for myself. Basilica cistern opening times, price and location in. To delve right into the history of this intriguing city, start underground. This article is the first part of a brief guide to the places in istanbul mentioned in the novel.
Basilica cistern yerebatan sunken palace serif yenen on. This cathedralsize cistern was built during the reign of emperor justinian i in 532 ad to supply water to the great palace. Basilica cistern cistern, istanbul, turkey britannica. A mystical underground world the basilica cistern, one of istanbul s most famous historical sites, impresses visitors with its 336 columns, each. The basilica cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns under the city of istanbul formerly constantinople, turkey. Istanbul travel turkey lonely planet the who has classified coronavirus covid19 as a global pandemic. Having broken its own historical record after world famous writer dan browns recent book inferno was published, the basilica cistern was visited by more than 2. The cambridge ancient history, volume 14 edited by averil cameron, bryan.
Book your tickets online for basilica cistern, istanbul. There is an entrance fee varying for local and foreign visitors, so you can check the most recent fee on how much it is to visit basilica cistern on istanbul. Basilica cistern guided tour istanbul tourist pass. Many travelers wonder about what basilica cistern is and what function it used to have. Constructed for justinianus i, the byzantium emperor 527565, this big underground water reservoir is called as yerebatan cistern among the public because of the underground marble columns. Dan brown draws visitors basilica cistern enjoy istanbul. Located across the hagia sophia museum, yerebatan sarayi is also known as the basilica cistern because of a basilica that was once located nearby as a cultural centre. The site is managed by the istanbul metropolitan municipality culture co.
Probably not the ideal stop for the claustrophobic among us. From ancient wonders to hollywood movie stars, the basilica cistern has seen it all. It was known as the basilica cistern because there used to be a basilica at the same location. It is also known as basilica cistern since there is a basilica in the place where the cistern is located.
The basilica cistern, or cisterna basilica is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of istanbul formerly constantinople, turkey. The ancient buildings that have shapeshifted across. Sophia cistern and theodosius cistern is some of the 80 cisterns that supplied water in constantinople. Basilica cistern istanbul, turkey attractions lonely. Basilica cistern basilica cistern istanbul museum pass. Called yerebatan sarayi in turkish, which means sunken palace, it was built during the 6th century under byzantine rule. After cleaning and restoring the basilica cistern, the istanbul metropolitan municipality opened it to the public in 1987. Basilica cistern or better known as yerebatan sarayi is a very authentic place and a must see in istanbul. The basilica cistern, or cisterna basilica turkish.
Basilica cistern was built by justinian under a large basilica in constantinople. You can combine a trip to hagia sophia, blue mosque and cistern. Save with this vip combo ticket time and money, enjoy hasslefree access to the hagia sophia, topkapi palace and the basilca cistern. The cistern is located at the sultanahmet square, when you are about to reach the sultanahmet square on the right bank you will see the basilica cistern. D 542, the period of byzantine emperor justinian i, the basilica cistern in istanbul, which attracts millions of tourists every year, is going under comprehensive restoration that will help protect the historical construction as well as better serve touristic purposes. Located on the same historical peninsula with the hagia sophia and the blue mosque, the magnificent place has been the subject of archaeological intrigue as well as hollywood blockbusters besides being thronged by thousands of tourists every day. In some, like the great basilica cistern near hagia sophia called by the turks the yerebatan underground palace, old material was reused. Meerdere scenes uit het boek inferno van dan brown spelen zich hier af. The cisterns are deposits which were built so the city had water reserves should it be attacked. This large underground cistern built by byzantine emperor justinian i 527565 was named as yerebatan palace ere among the people due to the marble.
Anything which is located underground has that strange and haunting atmosphere, but combined with the history of the place, the feeling is something quite special indeed. Emperor justinian i commissioned his city prefect longinus to build it. View of the basilica cistern known in turkish as yerebatan sarn. But more surprising still, was that it was portal to even older epochs of.
The 10 best basilica cistern yerebatan sarayi tours. One of istanbuls splendid historical buildings is the basilica cistern located in the southwest of hagia sophia. Istanbuls constantinople 6th century basilica cistern electrum. A guide to the basilica cistern in istanbul property turkey. A marvel of byzantine engineering under the streets of istanbul. The cistern, located 150 metres southwest of the hagia sophia on the historical peninsula of sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of byzantine emperor justinian i. Basilica cistern tickets can also be clubbed with many other attractions in istanbul. Do you need to book in advance to visit basilica cistern. So spectacular is the cistern that one could easily mistake it for a sacred subterranean temple. The incredible subterranean basilica cistern ancient origins. The subterraneous creation is the largest byzantine cistern in istanbul. About basilica cistern historical functions of basilica cistern. Basilica cistern istanbul 2020 all you need to know.
There are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets and houses of istanbul. Sophia cistern and theodosius cistern is some of the 80 cisterns that supplied water in. Basilica cistern simple english wikipedia, the free. Jul 03, 2019 the basilica cistern was interesting to look at. Being the largest of istanbul, the basilica cistern, yerebatan sarn. These information answers detailedly about what to visit in istanbul. The basilica cistern, one of istanbul s most unusual tourist attractions, gains fame because of its underground location, and if you are visiting the hagia sophia, blue mosque, or topkapi palace, it is worth taking a short detour to see it. Hotel bram istanbul is perfectly located for exploring the countless cultural offerings of istanbul. Of the two that are open to the public, the basilica. The basilica cistern, also known as the submereged palace is a resevoir constructed in the 6th century that makes for one of the citys treasures. The basilica cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of istanbul. Basilica cistern istanbul 2020 what to know before you go.
Historical text claims that 7,000 slaves were involved with its construction. Basilica cisterns of istanbul istanbul, turkey atlas. The roof is supported by 336 marble columns, mostly in ionic or corinthian styles, each measuring 9 meters in length. We organize all turkey tours if you want to discover turkey with us keep follow and contact us. Basilica cistern istanbul all you need to know before. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath istanbul. This basilica builded in the 6th century by emperor justinian i is the biggest cistern builded beneath the city. Basilica cistern of istanbul, the symbol of byzantine. The cistern, located 150 metres 490 ft southwest of the hagia sophia on the historical peninsula of sarayburnu. The basilica cistern is located just 150m southwest of the famous haghia sophia, and was built by the byzantine emperor, justinian i, in a. Visit the underground palace yerebatan saray, as it was known by the ottomans, and experience the wonder of the vast cistern for yourself. The basilica cistern was built during the reign of justinian 527565 to supply the byzantine palace. Therefore, it has been renovated a couple of times throughout history.
The basilica cistern is located just 150m southwest of the famous. Gyllius influenced many other travelers with his time in istanbul. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Explore istanbul holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Venture into the underground palace that is filled with ancient wonders such as the medusa pillar bases, and the hens eye column. The basilica cistern, the coolest spot in town istanbul.
This large underground cistern built by byzantine emperor justinian i 527565 was named as yerebatan palace ere among the people due to the marble columns rising from the water and countless seemingly like. Basilica cistern opening times, price and location in istanbul. Basilica cistern, istanbul ticket price timings address. May 25, 2014 the largest of these is the basilica cistern. And now after more than 1,500years of its eminent existence, the eastern roman infrastructural ambit is also set to undergo restoration through an ambitious 450day project to be conducted by hera restoration. After descending into the underground water facility via a flight of stairs, visitors can take a stroll on the concrete walkways, enjoying the subdued lighting and the cool temperatures. Subterranean cistern, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of istanbul formerly constantinople, turkey. Basilica cisterns of istanbul istanbul, turkey atlas obscura. Having broken its own historical record after world famous writer dan browns recent book inferno was published, the basilica cistern was. Basilica cistern set for comprehensive restoration daily. Basilica cistern travel guidebook must visit attractions. The elaborate reservoir he discovered, today known as the basilica cistern, was then already about 1,000 years old.
On the western edge of the hagia sophia, there is a small building with a simple design, but this is only a gateway to a world of beauty, one of istanbul s. Like most sites in istanbul, the cistern has an unusual history. The adventure of robert langdon the main character in dan browns inferno ends in istanbul, turkey. The basilica cistern of istanbul, turkey is also known as the yerebatan sarayi or sunken palace and is famous for its upside heads of medusa. Would have liked some audio andor video commentary to bring the history to mind while we were there. Library of constantinople said to contain 120,000 books in the 5th century. Gaze at the hagia sophias massive columns and dome during a visit to one of the worlds largest basilicas and most popular museums in turkey. Istanbul vip combo ticket for hagia sophia, topkapi palace. This cistern was used to store water for the great palace and other buildings in the area during justinians reign. If you look carefully, you will notice that there are cisterns with red brick ceilings visible even in hagia. The cistern is featured in clive and dirk cusslers 2010 dirk pitt fiction novel. These days, visitors to basilica cistern cant get enough of the mysterious feel. This cistern from byzantine time is a must see for the ones who visit istanbul. Made famous in dan browns book and featured in many movies and video games, this place is something out of fiction.
Book with tourjy to have a wonderful tour in basilica cistern istanbul. A trip to istanbul would not be complete without visiting the basilica cistern. The basilica cistern, built in 532, is the largest surviving byzantine cistern in istanbul and was designed to service the great palace and surrounding buildings with a capacity to store up to 80,000 cubic metres of water. Book now basilicas waterworks subterranean sites infrastructure watery. It was originally known as the basilica cistern because it lay underneath the stoa basilica, one of the great squares on the first hill. Built in 532, this underground cistern is one that tom hanks knows well. While our istanbul city bus tour cant take you underground, you can hop on or hop off nearby to submerge yourself in this cisterns fascinating history. The basilica cistern is the largest of the ancient cisterns in istanbul and was built in the sixth century.
This cavernous space is the largest remaining byzantine cistern in istanbul. Venture to imperial monuments rich with history and discover the hagia sophia, basilica cistern and the grand bazaar during this halfday guided tour in istanbul. It is the largest surviving underground cistern of istanbul. After a trip to the basilica cistern i found that it was an ideal shelter contradicting many conditions of the outside world. It has connections with mark twain, james bond and medusa. Istanbul in dan browns inferno hagia sophia, basilica. The basilica cistern, also known as the sunken palace or yerebatan sarayi in turkish, was constructed by justinian in 532 to supply water to the byzantine palace primarily. A brief history of the basilica cistern the city of istanbul sits on the sarayburnu peninsula and straddles the bosphorus strait between the black sea and the sea of marmara.
The largest and most famous of the many underground cisterns in istanbul, the basilica cistern was built in the 6th century under the byzantine emperor justinian the great. Basilica cistern a trip to istanbul your guide to istanbul. Istanbuls constantinople 6th century basilica cistern. Built in the 6th century during the reign of byzantine emperor justinian i as big underground water reservoir. Hidden beneath the city of istanbul constantinople, turkey, are hundreds of ancient cisterns that stored and supplied water to its inhabitants in the ancient past. Known as the heart of modern istanbul, taksim square is an important shopping, leisure, and touristic centres, with restaurants, shops and hotels. Basilica cistern is the largest surviving byzantine cistern that is beneath istanbul city. A frenchman visiting constantinople in the 1500s heard strange stories of locals drawing up fresh water and even fishing from holes in their cellars.
In the 300s the first out of seven hills of constantinople now istanbul had the basilica built on it. In addition to general information about the basilica cistern yerebatan. Looking for hotels near basilica cistern, istanbul. Basilica cistern attraction travel guidebook, istanbul mustvisit attractions. Sunken palace, it is one of the major tourist attractions of modern istanbul. Bram hotel istanbul is located just steps away to hagia sophia, blue mosque, topkap.
The basilica cistern ticket prices are reasonable but if you buy tickets for basilica cistern in advance from our ticketing section you can simply skip on lines and fast forward to the attraction immediately. Today it is kept with little water, for public access inside the space. The basilica cistern is located in sultanahmet, the heart of old town. Constructed in the 6th century, it originally provided water filtration for the great palace of constantinople, and continued to supply the topkapi palace from 1453 until the modern day. The basilica cistern, or cisterna basilica, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of istanbul, turkey. We recommend booking basilica cistern tours ahead of time to secure your spot. We went on a very busy day, and it wasnt a thrilling experience being jostled by hundreds of tourists in a dark cistern underground. Istanbul has many oldfashioned aquifers, especially during times of war and siege, but in the sultanahmet region lays the largest reservoir, the basilica cistern istanbul, which dates back to the byzantine era. One of istanbul s splendid historical buildings is the basilica cistern located in the southwest of hagia sophia.
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