Home › Destinations › Basilica Cistern or Sunken Palace (Yerebatan Sarnıçı)

Basilica Cistern or Sunken Palace (Yerebatan Sarnıçı)

Attraction Type: 
essential

This vast underground structure was built in AD 532 by Emperor Justinian, to be used as the reservoir for the Great Palace. With schools of carp flitting through the pools under the cathedral-like ceiling, supported by 336 mable columns – many recycled from pre-Christian temples – this is Istanbul’s most atmospheric sight.

Address: 
Yerebatan Cad. Alemdar Mah. 1/3,
Istanbul,
34410
Turkey
Telephone: 
+90 212 522 1259
Website: 
yerebatan.com
Opening times: 

Daily 0900-1830 (Apr-Oct); 0900-1730 (Nov-Mar)

Admission fees: 

Yes

Disabled access: 
No
Unesco: 
Yes

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