Basilica Cistern: Tickets, Night Shift & Pass Inclusion
30 - 45 min
6th-Century Byzantine Cistern
Built 532 AD under Emperor Justinian I
Alemdar, Yerebatan Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Planning to visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)?
Compare ticket and city-pass options for this attraction.
Practical Visitor Info & Tips
€1950.00
3,000 TRY (Night Shift, 19:30-22:00)
Daily 09:00-18:30 (daytime); separate evening Night Shift session
None required for daytime admission. Cash is not accepted on-site — card or Istanbulkart only.
The 6th-century underground Byzantine cistern, including its forest of columns and the two famous Medusa-head column bases.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 1,950 TRY | No reservation needed | |
| Night Shift | 3,000 TRY | Evening session, 19:30-22:00 | |
| With Istanbul Tourist Pass | Included | Any tier |
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Ticket Options
€1950.00
Check whether a city pass already covers this attraction before buying separately.
See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
The Basilica Cistern is a vast 6th-century underground reservoir beneath Istanbul's old city, its 336 columns rising from shallow, reflective water beneath dramatic red lighting. It's one of Istanbul's most atmospheric sights — and, unlike Topkapı Palace, only the private Istanbul Tourist Pass includes it; the government MuseumPass İstanbul does not.
What to See: Top Highlights
The Forest of Columns
336 marble columns, many reclaimed from older Roman structures, reflected in shallow water beneath dramatic lighting.
The Medusa Head Column Bases
Two famous carved Medusa heads, one sideways and one upside-down, supporting columns in a far corner of the cistern.
The Night Shift Session
An evening visiting slot (19:30-22:00) with a different, more atmospheric lighting design.
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Location & Google Maps
Which Istanbul Pass Genuinely Includes This?
Compare Istanbul PassesConfirmed included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass. The official government MuseumPass İstanbul does not cover the Basilica Cistern.
Istanbul Tourist Pass
Included. Confirmed directly on the pass's own "What's Included" page.
MuseumPass İstanbul
Not included. The Basilica Cistern is independently ticketed and does not accept MuseumPass İstanbul.
Data Provenance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does MuseumPass İstanbul include the Basilica Cistern?
Is the Night Shift session worth the higher price?
Can I pay in cash?
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